UNIVERSITY of the Philippines ended Ateneo’s streak of five consecutive men’s championship appearances with a 3-1 victory in the UAAP Season 80 badminton tournament yesterday.
The Fighting Maroons also solved the Blue Eagles’ puzzle in the last three playoffs, going 0-4 including last year where they lost twice despite having a twice-to-beat semifinals incentive.
Up next for UP is a best-of-three championship date with four-peat seeking National University starting at 8 a.m. today at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.
JM Bernardo defeated Keoni Asuncion, 21-14, 21-18, in the first singles to put the Maroons ahead.
Ateneo leveled after Carlo Remo made quick work of Vincent Rafael Manuel, 21-15, 21-19, in the second singles.
UP then swept the doubles’ matches, as CK Clemente and JM Bernardo rout Clarence Filart and Sean Chan, 21-7, 21-11, and Betong Pineda and Paul Gonzales nipped Asuncion and Remo, 21-18, 21-18.
The last time the Eagles missed the men’s badminton Finals was in 2011, when they placed fifth.
