MANILA – National University kicked off its title campaign on Saturday with a 5-0 victory over De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 89 badminton at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
National team mainstay Clarence Villaflor beat Huego Queddeng, 21–9, 21–5, in his debut match at the opening singles of the best-of-five tie.
“First ko maglaro sa UAAP. Nakakatuwa kasi isa sa dream ko rin talaga na makalaro dito at madala ‘yung bandila ng school namin. Sobrang saya lang (This is my first time playing in the UAAP. It’s really exciting because it’s always been one of my dreams to play here and represent our school. I’m just so happy),” the 2026 Azerbaijan International Challenge bronze medalist said after the match.
“Pagtulungan lang namin ma-i-angat ‘yung team namin kasi kaya naming manalo. One game at a time lang, one point at a time lang (We’re just working together to lift our team up, because we’re capable of winning. Just one game at a time, one point at a time),” Villaflor added.
Lanz Zafra shocked Season 88 Rookie of the Year Lovic Javier, 21–9, 14–21, 21–13; John Vincent Lanuza and MJ Perez prevailed over Rey Nier Dalimo-Os and Aj Lorenz Jurada, 21–11, 14–21, 21–11; and John Benedict Gam and Jacinth Ruedas downed Karl Contreras and Gift Linaban, 21–5, 21–14.
Rookie Ivan Dosano rallied past Joshua Duarte, 10–21, 21–19, 21–18, to complete the rout.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University survived Adamson University, 3-2.
Zeth Quiambao and Robby Ramos needed 44 minutes to conquer John Paul Badang and Eur Cabanducos, 21–12, 19–21, 21–8, to save the day for the Blue Eagles. (Jean Malanum/PNA)
IMPRESSIVE DEBUT. National University rookie Clarence Villaflor competes in the men’s singles of the UAAP Season 89 badminton at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City on Saturday (Oct. 17, 2026). He beat Huego Queddeng, 21–9, 21–5.
