ATENEO de Manila University opened its title-retention bid in dominant fashion, sweeping Adamson University, 5-0, on the first day of the qualifying round of the UAAP Season 87 Men's Badminton tournament, held on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Manila.
Reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Lyrden Laborte teamed up with rookie Robbie Ramos to propel the Blue Eagles to the early lead with a commanding win over the Soaring Falcons' Noel Hernandez and Gabriel Gamoy in the first doubles match, 21-18, 21-11, in just 31 minutes of action.