The University of the Philippines (UP) secured a dominant 3-0 victory over De La Salle University on Friday to reach the finals of the Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships at the Centro Atletico Badminton Center.
Michael Clemente and JM Bernardo sealed the win for the Fighting Maroons with a 21-15, 21-18 triumph in the men’s doubles match, fending off De La Salle’s Joshua Morada and Yugin Tan.
“Masaya na nakuha namin ‘tong semis. Masaya rin na kasama ko yung sila Jelo (Albo), tapos si JM, magkasama kaming lumaban,” Clemente said after the match. “Excited na kami for the Finals, and ready na kami i-defend yung title.” (I’m happy that we made it to the semis. I’m also happy to be playing alongside Jelo and JM. We’re excited for the finals, and we’re ready to defend our title.)
Earlier in the day, UAAP Season 85 Rookies of the Year Jelo Albo and Anthea Gonzalez set the stage for the win with dominant singles performances. Albo easily defeated Jason Pajarillo, 21-8, 21-4, while Gonzalez followed suit with a commanding 21-6, 21-8 victory over Mia Manguilimotan.
In the morning’s earlier match, UP defeated Adamson University 4-1, securing their spot in the semifinals. De La Salle earned their place in the final four after a 3-2 win over Ateneo de Manila University.
Meanwhile, San Sebastian College-Recoletos also advanced to the finals after eliminating the College of Saint Benilde with a 3-1 victory. The Golden Stags were led by Wishes Gacho and Luzviminda Gaba, who triumphed 21-12, 21-17 in the women’s doubles match over Canille Delos Santos and Arielle Penaflor.
San Sebastian’s strong showing in Group B, including a 4-1 win over last year’s runner-up San Beda University, helped them reach the finals. The Blazers secured a spot in the semifinals with a narrow 3-2 win over Lyceum of the Philippines University in Group C.
The Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships are organized by the Philippine Badminton Association and supported by A2Z Customs.
Related topics:
