Newest badminton sensation Solomon ‘Monchie’ Padiz Jr. of National University bagged his first major collegiate award as ‘Rookie of the Year’ in the just concluded University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ Season 82 Badminton Championship held at PNP Sports Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City.
The18-year-old Sports Education freshman smashed his way to his UAAP award by winning 13 straight matches in sterling fashion in the Team Tie Preliminary Round, notching seven wins in the men’s singles and six in the men’s doubles category.
The 2018 PNG Open badminton gold medalist then handily outsmarted veteran rival Keoni Asuncion of Ateneo de Manila University in Game 2 Finals in straight sets (2-0) 21-9, 21-14 in a win that proved to be pivotal for his team, the NU Bulldogs’ title retention and “six-peat” in the University Athletic Association badminton event.
“Thank God for everything, for giving me this new breakthrough,” said Padiz, who played like a Most Valuable Player in the series.
“This ROY award inspires me more in my quest for glory in the coming Southeast Asian Games where I will represent our country in men’s singles badminton event,” added Padiz, who dedicated his latest milestone to his teammates, mentors, NU top brass Hans Sy and father, Solomon Padiz Sr., a former sepak takraw national athlete.
After his fruitful stint, the PBA Smash Pilipinas protege is currently in a closed-door training in Indonesia in preparation for his mission in the SEAG in November and December.