THIRD TIME wasn’t the charm for the UST Tiger Shuttlers, finishing a spot shy of the podium once more after succumbing to semis rivals UP Fighting Maroons, 3-0, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s badminton tournament at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Badminton Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 30.
The Tiger Shuttlers have gone head-to-head against UP for the third spot for the past three seasons, with the Fighting Maroons emerging victorious each time. With the loss, UST’s podium-less drought extended to 12 years.
UST had a sluggish start as Tiger Shuttler team captain Lennox Cuilao suffered a 21-4, 21-7 loss against UP’s Jewel Albo.
Tiger Shuttler Ivan Tuazon put up a fight but ultimately yielded to Fighting Maroon Shan Clar 21-16, 21-9.
The Tiger Shuttler duo of Cuilao and Bien Miraflor then lost via sweep against UP’s Mark Bernal and Enzo Rivera, 21-12, 21-12, burying UST’s podium hopes once more.
UST capped its season with a 2-5 win-loss record, while UP captured bronze and finished with a 4-3 card.
The Tiger Shuttlers last finished on the podium 11 years ago in Season 76, with their most recent championship occurring 14 years ago in Season 73.
UST will lose the services of Cuilao and Haroun Sarmiento in Season 88.
