Natividad soars as Ateneo regains UAAP men’s badminton title

MANILA, Philippines – Patrick Natividad shone for Ateneo to regain the UAAP men's badminton crown with a 3-2 decision over National University recently at the Jumpsmash Badminton Center.

The Blue Eagles won the championship series, 2-1, to cop their second title in three years and fourth overall.

The triumph completes a historic  badminton title sweep for Ateneo. The Lady Eagles earlier won their second consecutive crown by registering another perfect 9-0 record.

Season MVP Patrick Natividad drew first blood for Ateneo with a 21-14, 21-14 victory over Roslee Pedrosa in the first singles before NU bounced back with Joper Escueta hacking out a 21-14, 21-9 rout of Sean Chan.

Justin Natividad and Bryan Garrido gave the Eagles the upperhand with a 21-11, 21-15 decision over Pedrosa and Philip Francisco in the first doubles before the Bulldogs forced the decider with Escueta and delos Santos scoring a 21-9, 21-13 victory over Patrick Natividad and Clarence Filart.

Justin Natividad then showed spunk and power to turn back NU's Aries delos Santos, 21-13, 21-15, in the third singles match.

Ateneo emerged triumphant despite missing the services of Season 74 MVP Toby Gabi, who opted to skip this year's campaign.

Eagles mentor Kennie Asuncion, a many-time national player, was adjudged as the Coach of the Year.

Pedrosa was named the Rookie of the Year, while John Paul Pantig of third placer University of Santo Tomas took home the Most Improved Player award.