CONCLUDING AN outstanding title defense campaign in the Philippine Badminton Open (PBO), Ateneo Women’s Badminton Team (AWBT) Captain Mika De Guzman staved off National University’s Ysabel Amora in the tournament’s singles finals, 21-11, 16-21, and 21-8. The heated bout took place earlier today at the Gameville Ball Park in the City of Mandaluyong.

De Guzman kicked off the first set of the championship match assertively, jumping to a 7-2 lead via a flurry of great trick shots and heavy strikes. As the set reached its midpoint, uncharacteristic errors by the Blue Eagle allowed the Lady Bulldog to march back and tie the set at 11 apiece. With the goal of regaining control in mind, the reigning PBO champion stamped her veteran experience and never looked back, going on an impressive 10-0 run to close the frame, 21-11.

The second set of the duel saw De Guzman’s biggest challenge of the tournament, as the Atenean fell to a 5-11 hole to start. Despite a commendable comeback effort, De Guzman’s struggles on the attacking end resulted in her first set loss of the tournament, 16-21.

In a resounding response, De Guzman went on a commanding 10-3 run to begin the final set. The decorated athlete’s poise was evident throughout the frame, as the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 Most Valuable Player closed out Amora with a dominating 21-8 set win to complete her PBO repeat bid.

Although De Guzman competed under the national team throughout the tournament, her unwavering display of Atenean prowess shows the potential for sustained greatness by the AWBT in UAAP Season 87.

Already adding a bronze and gold medal to their collection, the Ateneo Badminton Teams are set to continue their preseason preparations in the Frederick D. Go Cup, commencing next Thursday, June 20.