NU shuttlers survive UP for share of UAAP lead with Ateneo

Manila: National University banked on MJ Perez to eke out a 3-2 victory over University of the Philippines in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men's badminton tournament at Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila on Sunday. Perez defeated Charles Alcarpio, 21-17, 21-13, in the third singles match of the best-of-five to secure NU's second win. NU gained a share the lead with reigning champion Ateneo de Manila University, which demolished rival De La Salle University, 5-0. University of Santo Tomas, meanwhile, registered its first win after whipping Adamson University, 4-1. "I'm satisfied with their performances. Actually, I told them that this will be a hard game against UP," NU coach Jaime Llanes said. "Their chemistry is okay, but I cannot blame the players because the venue is new. But we will adjust, continue to play hard, no pressure and always have fun while playing," he added. NU and UP split the first two singles matches, with NU's Lanz Zafra beating rookie Shan Clar, 21-15, 21-12; and UP's Jelo Albo prevailing over fellow Smash Pilipinas mainstay Mark Velasco, 21-14, 21-18. UP made it 2-1 after Enzo Rivera and Mark Anthony Bernal stunned national players Solomon Padiz Jr. and James Villarante, 20-22, 21-11, 23-21. NU levelled when Zafra and Nestojan Tapales outplayed Albo and sophomore Johann Abinales, 21-13, 21-11, in the other doubles rubber. Ateneo and NU will try to sustain their winning forms against UST and Adamson, respectively, while UP seeks its second win against DLSU on Oct. 19. Source: Philippines News Agency