De Leon, Ramos book all-UP semis showdown

Patricia de Leon and Susmita Ramos paced the massive University of the Philippines (UP) contingent heading into the medal rounds following the conclusion of the qualifying playoffs of the 2026 MIA Badminton Challenge Cup on Thursday at the MIA Sports Center in Pasay City.

De Leon and Ramos, who will both play their final collegiate seasons in the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) competitions, will face each other in the semifinals 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 in the tournament backed by Rally Sports, Rally Sports, JPA Sports, Wilkins Pure, Minute Maid and Playa de Nubla Private Resort.

“This past year, my main preparation was about finding myself again. I was working to redeem myself because I heard so many people saying I was already washed up — that players didn’t fear me anymore,” the 2025 Philippine National Badminton women’s singles runner-up said.

“I want to make them feel that I still have so much more to give,” the former University of Santo Tomas standout added.

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 University of Santo Tomas’ 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.