Prima players give Nat'l U first-ever badminton crown

MANILA, Philippines - Drawing from their experience as members of the national team and Team Prima, Joper Escueta, Jayson Oba-ob and Aries Delos Santos Escueta joined forces with Andrei Babad to hand National University its first-ever UAAP men’s badminton title after beating Ateneo via come-from-behind win (3-2) recently.

“We are happy that we finally got our first UAAP badminton title and my teammates were responsible for that. I’m hoping to win more titles in years to come as Philippine team, NU and Prima player,” said Escueta, who earned this year’s Most Valuable Player trophy.

Escueta, 18, started playing badminton at the age of 12. He became member of the Philippine team and Team Prima after winning several local and international tournaments.  

“This is one of the sweetest titles,” said Escueta, thanking NU, Team Prima mentor Jaime Juinio and chairman Alex Lim, and the Philippine Badminton Association.  

“Without help from my teammates, this MVP isn’t possible.”

Escueta, Oba-ob and Delos Santos said the key to NU’s successful stint is hard work, teamwork and perseverance during training and matches. The NU team is under head coach Anthony Mance Jr.

“It is very inspiring to win a title not only in the UAAP but in other tournaments as well when you are supported by your people around,” said Oba-ob. “We also thank God for this blessing.”

“We will double our effort in training,” said Delos Santos. “We are hoping for more titles, so we need to work harder.”

Ateneo headed by national player Toby Gadi, registered a 2-0 lead after winning the first two singles before NU won the two doubles to tie match at 2-2 and force the deciding third single match which Escuetawon over Justin Natividad for the title.