La Salle shuttlecockers oust Ateneo, arrange title showdown vs NU

MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle dethroned Ateneo in a swift fashion, 3-0, to forge a men's title duel with National University yesterday in the UAAP Season 77 badminton tournament at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.

Former Rookie of the Year winner Gerald Sibayan survived reigning MVP Patrick Natividad, 21-16, 17-21, 21-16, in the first singles to give the Green Archers the first blood.

John Kenneth Monterubio dominated rookie Carlo Remo, 21-17, 21-12, in the second singles, before Sibayan returned to join forces with Carlos Cayanan in a 21-16, 18-21, 21-19 doubles victory against Patrick Natividad and Justin Natividad to end the Blue Eagles' reign.

Up next for La Salle is a Finals meeting with National University, which is seeking to regain the championship it won in Season 75.

The Bulldogs went unbeaten in seven elimination ties and will tote a huge thrice-to-beat advantage.