UP's Patricia De Leon and Susmita Ramos in the 2026 MIA Badminton Challenge Cup. Handout photos
MANILA — The University of the Philippines will be well-represented in the medal rounds of the 2026 MIA Badminton Challenge Cup.
Patricia De Leon and Susmita Ramos starred for UP at the conclusion of the qualifying playoffs on Thursday at the MIA Sports Center in Pasay City. The veterans will play each other in the semis of the women's singles open after dispatching their respective opponents.
De Leon, the UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year, defeated KBPA;s Rhea Manuel, 15–6, 15–7, in 19 minutes. Ramos, meanwhile, outlasted fellow Fighting Maroon Anthea Gonzalez, 16–14, 12–15, 15–12.
On the other half of the draw, UP upstarts Brys Fuggan and Kahrene Zapanta completed an all-UP semifinal, ensuring that all medals in the event will go to Diliman.
Rabie Oba-ob and Ivan Tuazon broke UP;s stronghold in the Men;s Singles Open, with Tuazon denying the Fighting Maroons an all-UP final.
Oba-ob defeated UST;s Aaron Bedaña, 15–8, 15–9, in the semifinals, but Tuazon made sure a Tiger Shuttler would finish on the podium with a 15–12, 15–13 sweep of UP;s Mohammad Jalmer Amerodin.
Fighting Maroons Ethan Dupet and Shan Clar will dispute the other spot in the finals in the tournament, which is part of the Philippine National Ranking System Super 500 series.
De Leon and Ramos made it two-for-two, also reaching the finals of the Women;s Doubles event.
De Leon teamed up with her sister, Krissa, as the 2026 PNBO bronze medalists defeated teammates Ella Bualat and Danica Comia, 15–7, 15–8.
Ramos and Kimberly Lao, meanwhile, stopped the run of Smash Pilipinas Juniors; Enya Almazan and Zoey Bayudang, 15–8, 15–9.
The semifinals of all events will take place Friday morning, with the championship matches scheduled for the afternoon session.