UAAP badminton tournament begins as NU opens bid

NATIONAL University opens its bid for a third consecutive men’s title against Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 79 badminton tournament this weekend.

The Bulldogs play the Falcons at 8 a.m. Saturday and will take on the Growling Tigers on the same time Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.

NU is actually unbeaten in 18 ties since Season 77 and is hoping to sustain its perfect run without last season’s MVP Peter Magnaye, who has already completed his playing eligibility. The Bulldogs have won three of the last four championships.

De La Salle, runners-up in the last two seasons, will take on event host Far Eastern University Saturday and University of the Philippines Sunday.

In the women’s division, the Lady Maroons also begin their quest for a three-peat against familiar foes this weekend.

UP will face Ateneo in an early rematch of last year’s Finals at 1 p.m. Saturday, and Season 78 third placer De La Salle at the same time on Sunday.

After battling the Lady Maroons, the Lady Eagles clash with the Lady Tamaraws Sunday.

UP is also perfect in 18 ties which is spanning for two seasons.