Manila: The National University (NU) relied on Lanz Zafra to dethrone Ateneo de Manila University, 3-0, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s badminton finals at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Zafra, who sat out last season due to injury, took the first singles over Season 86 Rookie of the Year Lance Vargas, 21-15, 21-11. Mark Velasco, the 2023 Philippine Badminton Open men’s singles champion, gave NU a 2-0 lead after prevailing over reigning MVP Lyrden Laborte, 21-17, 12-21, 21-18, in the second singles.
Zafra teamed up with Nestojan Tapales to beat Season 86 co-MVP Arthur Salvado Jr. and Vargas, 23-21, 17-21, 21-17, in the doubles as the Bulldogs claimed their ninth title in the past 11 years. ‘We really prepared for this. We have other players coming from injuries, even before Mark (Velasco). So, we are very happy because we returned the title to Jhocson,’ NU’s long-time head coach Jaime Llanes said.
‘Actually, before the second singles started, I t
old Mark that I want to see the player that I knew before he joined NU because that’s what he lost. I always remind him that he needs to regain his confidence in the court.’
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines swept the University of Santo Tomas, 3-0, to finish third for the third consecutive year. Season 85 Rookie of the Year Jelo Albo trounced Lennox Cuilao, 21-14, 21-7, while Shan Clar defeated Ivan Tuazon, 21-16, 21-9. Enzo Rivera and Mark Anthony Bernal downed Bien Miraflor and Cuilao, 21-12, 21-12, in the doubles.