Defending champion National University recovered from a stunning loss in the opening match to pull off a 3-2 win over University of the Philippines to remain unbeaten in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 men’s badminton tournament at the Centro Atletico Badminton Center in Quezon City yesterday.
Mark Anthony Velasco saved the day for the Bulldogs after sweeping his two assignments for NU’s third win in as many games to take the solo lead in the standings.
NU snatched its 54th consecutive tie win as it moved closer to another Finals appearance while the Fighting Maroons slipped to a 2-1 card.
Velasco avenged the earlier defeat of Lanz Zafra in the opening singles match with a 21-12, 23-21 conquest of Kervin Llanes in the second singles showdown.
He then teamed up with Zafra to wrap the tie with a 21-19, 21-15, victory over Rookie Jelo Albo and Jason Vanzuela in the second doubles match.
Solomon Padiz Jr. and Julius Villabrille earlier gave the Bulldogs a 2-1 tie lead after defeating UP co-captains Wileyto Yray and Charles Alcarpio in the first doubles match, 21-12, 21-16.
The Fighting Maroons surprised NU in the first singles match following Albo’s victory over fellow national team stalwart Zafra, 21-14, 21-14.
UP freshman Enzo Rivera pocketed the third singles pairing over Padiz after taking the second game at 22-20 and with the latter being forced to retire due to cramps before the deciding third game.
“I’m satisfied with the way they played today. I just thought in last singles game, Monch (Padiz) suffered cramps because he was dehydrated,” NU head coach Jaime Llanes said.
