CED Titans, CISTM Pythons seize early victories in men's badminton opener

College of Education (CED) Titans’ Tristan Justin Gonzales and College of Information Systems and Technology Management (CISTM) Pythons’ Denzel Mhiko Navarro achieved smashing victories in the men's badminton opening at Rajah Sulayman Gymnasium, February 28.

Early in the match, the opening game featured CED Titans’ Tristan Justin Camara against College of Business Administration (CBA) Jaguars’ Gabriel Crisologo in a high-energy battle of power and precision.

Right from the opening rally, Camara unleashed thunderous smashes and commanded the court with authority, as Crisologo relied on agility to retrieve difficult shots. However, Camara’s relentless offense proved unstoppable, taking the lead with a near-flawless 21–3 sweep on the scoreboard.

The second set followed a similar pattern as Camara maintained his dominant performance, Crisologo fought to extend rallies and find openings, but Camara’s powerful attacks prevented a comeback, closing the match, sweeping the victory with a 21–6 set win.

Meanwhile, the College of Science (CS) Sharks’ Mark Terrence Carmoc went up against the CISTM Pythons’ Denzel Mhiko Navarro.

From the opening exchanges, Carmoc moved swiftly to chase every shuttle, but Navarro played with patience, striking with precise smashes and calculated placements to secure the set 21–6.

Carmoc tried to rally with quicker returns and determined play in the second set, while Navarro maintained composure, maintaining his command of the game with precise shots that forced difficult angles. In the end, the match concluded with a 21–7 victory for Navarro.

Various colleges will continue to face off during the Intramurals this year. With these dominant victories, the shuttlecock has barely settled, and the hunt for the title is still underway.