Oba-ob advances in his PBO opener

Rabie Jayson Oba-ob

Top seed Rabie Jayson Oba-ob opened his campaign at the 2024 Philippine Badminton Open with a smooth 21-16 21-8 victory over Kirk Nathan Abarquez on Wednesday at the First Pacific Leadership Academy Badminton Center in Antipolo.

Representing the Philippine Air Force, the Zamboanga native needed just 29 mins to dispatch Abarquez, who is set to join La Salle for the upcoming collegiate campaign.

Oba-ob overcame a slow start to claim the first set, trailing 3-11 heading into the first interval of the Philippine Super 500 tournament.

The 31-year-old National University alumnus shared afterwards, "Nag-prepare naman po ako for this tournament pero no pressure naman po sa 'kin. One reason na no pressure is wala naman na po ako sa national team. I just gave my best po."

He will face off in the next round on Thursday against Luis Bernie Comiso, as the University of San Carlos standout defeated Liam Johan Cack, 21-18 21-9.

Other notable matches slated to take place late Wednesday includes a potential UAAP preview with Jelo Albo of the University of the Philippines facing Lance Vargas of Ateneo de Manila for a spot in the third round.

Defending champion Mark Velasco of Smash Pilipinas kicks off his title defense on Thursday, as he awaits the winner of Rodolfo Rodin Kean Gaminde or Tristan Troy Magango.

Also set to take place on Thursday is the matchup between fourth seed John Christian Yabut and Jamil Arend del Rosario. The latter emerged as a 21-10 21-5 winner over Joshua Martinez.

The PBO is backed by Smart, Mizuno, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the MVP Sports Foundation. It is also sponsored by Jollibee, Chowking, and FPLA, as well as presented by Maynilad, MWell, and Cignal.

Men's doubles and Women's singles matches are pegged as well to commence on Thursday at the same venue.