UAAP: UST ousts La Salle, advances to men’s badminton Final 4

MANILA — University of Santo Tomas completed the Final 4 cast in the UAAP Season 89 men’s badminton team event after defeating De La Salle University, 3-2, in their playoff tie on Sunday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

This marks the Golden Shuttlers’ return to the Final 4, having missed out on last year’s semifinals.

Ivan Tuazon shone brightest for UST, coming through in the deciding singles rubber against rookie Huego Queddeng, 21–17, 23–21, in an action-packed 54-minute battle.

UST’s Ivan Tuazon against La Salle in the UAAP Season 89 men’s badminton team event, October 25, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. UAAP Media“It was a good fight with La Salle last year, but I know this year mas matibay sila pero handa kaming makipaglaban,” said Tuazon. “Lagi ko lang din sinasabi sa teammates ko na ibigay na namin lahat ng kayang ibigay kasi once a year lang ang UAAP.”

The Green Shuttlers struck first  behind last season’s Rookie of the Year Lovic Javier, who asserted his mastery of Aaron Bedaña to put La Salle ahead with a 21–9, 21–11 victory.

However, one of the leading candidates for this season’s Rookie of the Year award, UST’s Clark Brillantes, delivered a crucial performance for his squad. 

The rookie out of Arellano University needed three games and a magical shot to save a match point in the second game before eventually overcoming Joshua Cuarte, 16–21, 22–20, 21–17.

UST stalwarts Ron Galve and Bien Miraflor then extended their pair’s winning streak with a second consecutive victory over the rising tandem of Rey Nier Dalimo-Os and Aj Lorenz Jurada in the first doubles match, 21–14, 23–21. The result built on their encounter less than 24 hours earlier.

Karl Contreras and Gift Linaban, however, kept DLSU’s hopes alive with a 23–21, 21–14 sweep of John Vincent Espinoza and Manuel Fulmentera, setting up the decisive showdown between Tuazon and Queddeng.

Standing in the way of UST’s bid to reclaim its place among the league’s elite is undefeated National University, which awaits the Golden Shuttlers in the Final Four for a place in the championship round.

The contest is scheduled for Tuesday at 8 a.m. at the same Mandaluyong venue.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines and Ateneo de Manila University will battle for the other spot in the championship tie in a simultaneously held matchup.