UNIVERSITY of the Philippines and San Beda University pulled off similar impressive victories over their respective rivals in the Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships at the Centro Athletico Badminton Courts in Quezon City.

UP swept UAAP rival Ateneo de Manila University, 5-0, in Group A while San Beda blanked Technological University of the Philippines, 5-0, in Group B.

Kervin Llanes outclassed Lynden Laborte, 21-15, 21-13, in the men’s singles, while Anthea Gonzales shocked reigning two-time UAAP MVP Chanelle Lunod, 23-21, 21-19, in the women’s singles to set the tone for the Fighting Maroons’ rout.

Also making their presence felt for UP were Michael Clemente and Paul Gonzales, who whipped Jacinto Maliwat and Arthur Salvador, 21-9, 21-15, in the men’s doubles; Lea Inlayo and Susmita Ramos, who subdued Jochelle Alvarez and Missy Cervantes, 19-21, 21-15, 21-13, in the women’s doubles; and Jason Vanzuela and Althea Fuentespina, who outsteadied Bryan Bernardo and Maxene Olango, 21-15, 20-22, 21-15, in the mixed doubles.

San Beda University had similar easy victory over TUP in Group B.

Arjhay Lazareto and Laurence Alejo dominated TUP’s John Emmanuel Balgos and Eljohn Penalosa in the men’s doubles match, 21-7, 21-8, to take the Red Lions’ first win.

In other results, University of Santo Tomas humbled Adamson University, 4-1, in Group A; and Polytechnic University of the Philippines overwhelmed Rizal Technological University, 5-0, in Group B.

…..Elij Pena and Jennifer Baladaga clinched the win for the Golden Shuttlers with a 21-7, 21-11 crushing of Ivy Plata and Althea Bartolazob in the women’s doubles match.

The Mighty Maroons’ duo of John Oliver De Guzman and Kevin Abang made short work of Bryant Pili and Sean Rejuso of the Blue Thunder, 21-9, 21-12.

“It was a good response from these universities and colleges that they have decided to join this inaugural tournament. We hope that this could build something in the years to come,’ said PBAD vice president and PLDT/SMART Head of Sports Jude Turcuato.

Also present during the opening ceremony was PBAD Secretary-General Christopher Quimpo and SMART Communications FVP for Go-To-Market Melvin Nubla.

The group phase ends with UP and UST, and Ateneo and Adamson taking on each other in Group A, while San Beda and PUP, and TUP and TUP close the eliminations against each other, on Sunday at 8 a.m.

The top two teams from the group stages will face each other in the final at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The prestigious, two-day tournament is organized by the Philippine Badminton Association, powered by SMART Communications, and supported by the MVP Sports Foundation, Ducksports, Young, and Apacs.