DEFENDING CHAMPIONS UST Tiger Paddlers cruised past their foes on the opening day of the UAAP Season 86 men’s table tennis tournament at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City on Thursday.
The Tiger Paddlers dominated Adamson University, University of the Philippines, and Far Eastern University to top the standings with a 3-0 record.
UST extended its winning streak to 19, which started in Game 2 of the Tiger Paddlers’ best-of-three finals against the NU Bulldogs in Season 82 on Nov. 20, 2019.
Despite the dominant start, UST head coach Jackson Que said that the Tiger Paddlers still need to familiarize themselves with the venue, particularly in the playing area.
“Maganda naman ‘yung performance. Medyo konting off lang in certain areas pero nakapag-adjust naman,” Que told the Varsitarian. “Adjustment lang sa venue, sa playing area kasi medyo iba ‘yung lugar and at the same time ‘yung equipment na ginagamit iba.”
The Tiger Paddlers opened the day with a 3-1 beating of Adamson.
Reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Alvin Sevilla started slow, falling short against Adamson’s Jed Villaviray, 11-4, 4-11, 15-13, 7-11, 8-11.
However, Tiger Paddler veteran John Castro bounced back and made quick work of Amiel Sumadsad, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7.
UST’s Al J Sanchez banded with rookie Paul Antivo to bury Jhon Balucos and Greg Orbong in the doubles match, 11-4, 11-2, 11-5, before Season 85 Rookie of the Year Eljey Tormis outmuscled Amiel Aroma, 11-8, 11-7, 18-16, to seal the Tiger Paddlers’ first victory.
In the remaining matches, the Tiger Paddlers swept the UP Fighting Maroons and FEU Tamaraws.
The Marcelino-Antivo tandem completed the sweep of both teams, defeating UP’s Benzdio Florida and Earnest Salloman, 13-11, 11-7, 11-5, and FEU’s duo of Claer Riego and Aaron Sacay, 11-6, 12-10, 11-2.
With three games left in the first round, Que wants the Tiger Paddlers to stay hungry in their quest for a four-peat.
“Sabi ko nga sa team na remain grounded and remain very hungry, talagang gutom at dapat gustong manalo,” he said.
In the boys’ division, UST made a similar 3-0 start, sweeping University of the Philippines Integrated School, Ateneo High School, and University of the East.
The Tiger Paddlers will next face Season 85 runner-up Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and University of the East to cap off the first round tomorrow, Nov. 10, at the same venue.
