Manila: Defending champion National University drubbed University of Santo Tomas, 4-1, on Wednesday to secure its third straight win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s badminton tournament at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Malate, Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, reigning MVP Lanz Zafra downed JM Sison, 21-6, 21-8, to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead, but UST’s Lennox Cuilao tied the score after surviving MJ Perez, 23-21, 20-22, 23-21. James Villarante and John Benedict Gam triumphed over John Vincent Espinoza and Janzen Panisales, 21-15, 21-19; Perez and Zafra waylaid Ron Galve and Bien Miraflor, 21-13, 21-12; and Miko Mosarbas won over Angelo Tuazon, 22-20, 21-17, to seal the win.

“I’m happy with their performance despite suffering some losses. It will not always be perfect; you will win some, and you will lose some. You just need to bounce back next time. But so far, I’m okay with how they’re playing,” head coach Jaime Llanes said. “Since the start, I have been telling them that this will be a difficult season for us. We’re up against talented players from other schools. And heading into our matches against UP and Ateneo, I just want to see them push themselves and show their eagerness to win,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University demolished Adamson University, 5-0, to share the lead with NU. Arthur Salvado Jr. and Lance Vargas outplayed Noel Hernandez Jr. and Gabrielle Ganoy, 21-12, 21-10; Lyrden Laborte beat Kyrik Roldan, 21-4, 21-14; and Robbie Ramos downed John Russel Oliveros, 21-16, 21-16. Laborte and Ramos prevailed over John Paul Badang and Eur Cabanducos, 21-14, 21-11; while rookie Zeth Quiambao conquered Nathaniel Acedillo, 21-10, 21-15.

In the other game, University of the Philippines trounced De La Salle University, 4-1, to improve at 2-1 for third place.