La Salle up against thrice-to-beat NU for UAAP badminton crown

MANILA, Philippines - La Salle forged a men’s title rematch with powerhouse National University after an emphatic 3-0 victory over Ateneo yesterday in the UAAP badminton tournament.

Gerald Sibayan and Anton Sibayan clinched the second step-ladder semis tie for the second seed Green Archers with a 21-16, 21-16 victory over Hanz Bernardo and Carlo Remo.

Despite fielding in a young roster, the rebuilding Blue Eagles  finished a strong third.

La Salle will face thrice-to-beat National University in the finals which will be played either tomorrow or Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall. The Bulldogs are unbeaten in seven ties this season.

“We prepared very well and the guys were determined to return to the finals,” said La Salle coach Owen Lopez.

“Going up against NU, which carries a thrice- to-beat advantage, all we have to do is to take one game at a time,” he added.

Cayanan was tested in the opening singles, bouncing back from a narrow first set loss to beat Remo, 22-24, 21-11, 21-19.

Kenneth Monterubio overcame a tough second set to turn back Clarence Filart, 21-19, 24-22, in the second singles.