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.

Velasco, De Guzman set for Philippine Badminton Open title defense

Mark Velasco

The tournament that determines who are the best Filipino shuttlers in the country starts on Wednesday, with the 2024 edition of the Philippine Badminton Open commencing action at the First Pacific Leadership Academy Badminton Center in Antipolo City.

A Philippine Super 500 tournament, the PBO boasts of a PhP 1,000,000 prize pool, with PhP 100,000 allocated for the singles champions and PhP 50,000 goes to the runners-up. PhP 15,000 awaits the losing semifinalists.

In doubles, champions get to split PhP 120,000, while PhP 60,000 goes to the runners-up. Losing semifinalists get to take home PhP 30,000.

Day 1 action will feature all men's singles matches, with defending champion Mark Anthony Velasco earning a first round bye. Top-seed Rabie Jayson Oba-ob also earned a bye and will face the winner of Mark Arki Enseñado or Kirk Nathan Abarquez in the next round.

Women's singles champion Mika de Guzman will open her campaign on Friday, having earned a first round bye. She awaits the winner of Danice Jhean Colao and Mia Manguilimotan, which takes place on Thursday.

In doubles, Smash Pilipinas standouts Julius Villabrille and Nicole Albo are set for their respective title defenses.

The duo will kick off its mixed doubles retention campaign on Saturday against Bien Miraflor and Rhafi Santos on Saturday, but much earlier on that with their respective partners in men's and women's doubles.

Villabrille teams up with Solomon Padiz Jr, while Albo joins forces with Lea Inlayo, as each pair will start their quest on Friday.

The PBO is backed by SMART, Mizuno, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the MVP Sports Foundation. It is also supported by Jollibee, Chowking, and the First Pacific Leadership Academy, while Maynilad, MWell, and Cignal serving as presenters.

Matches will be shown on the Facebook pages of SMART Sports, Puso Pilipinas, and the Philippine Badminton Association, with Cignal also set to broadcast the matches on June 11, which will take place at the Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City.

Philippine Badminton Open set for June

c/o PBAD / SMART Sports

The Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD) officially announced the return of the Philippine Badminton Open on Tuesday.

In collaboration with SMART and Mizuno, among others, the PBO is set to take place on June 5-11, with the Super 500 tournament promises thrilling matches and fierce competition.

PBAD Vice President and MVP Sports Foundation Executive Director Jude Turcuato says, "The Philippine Badminton Open is the tournament that proves who the best of the best in the country is. Badminton is one of the sports that MVPSF identified where the Filipino can be a world-class athlete. Organizing tournaments like this will get our athletes busy as this tournament kicks off our local calendar."

PBAD Head of Development Melvin Nubla notes the importance of the tournament, "This tournament is a Super 500 tournament, meaning it will have huge implications not just in the national rankings but also identify who can be part of the national team."

The federation is hopeful that this competition is the start of feeling out potential Olympians for 2028 and beyond.

In reaffirming their commitment to the sport, SMART Sports AVP Christopher Quimpo adds. "In recent years, badminton has experienced significant growth, with several national team players achieving success in international tournaments. This includes Mika De Guzman’s recent triumph in Kazakhstan. Smart is dedicated to nurturing and developing both current and future members of our national team through events like the Philippine Badminton Open."

PBAD Secretary-General Carla Lizardo-Sulit extended her gratitude to all the institutions supporting the PBO, including the likes of Smart Communications, Cignal, Mwell, Mizuno, and MVP Sports Foundation. She remarked, "As a badminton player myself, I am thrilled to see the support the sport is finally getting. This tournament would not be possible without the unwavering support of our partners."

All but one day of the tournament will take place at First Pacific Leadership Academy in Antipolo, with the last day taking place at the Gameville Ballpark in Mandaluyong.

A prize pool of PhP 1 million awaits, with champions to be crowned across five divisions: men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles.

Singles champions get PhP 100,000, while PhP 50,000 goes to the runners-up. Losing semifinalists secure PhP 15,000.

For doubles, the champions receive PhP 120,000 while the runners-up take home PhP 60,000. PhP 30,000 await the losing semifinalists.

Seeking a successful title defense of the PBO are Marc Velasco and Mika de Guzman in singles, as well as Julius Villabrille and Nicole Albo in doubles, with Solomon Padiz as Julius' partner in the men and Lea Inlayo as Nicole's partner for the women.

Cignal is expected to broadcast the knockout stages of the competition, aside from the social media platforms of SMART Sports, Puso Pilipinas, and PBAD itself.

Mika De Guzman bags first international title in Kazakhstan

Mika de Guzman

Philippine badminton secured breakthroughs in a couple of international tournaments.

Two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Mika de Guzman claimed her first international women's singles title this past weekend, the APACS Kazakhstan International Series 2023 at the Almatau Resort in the city of Shymkent in the Central Asian country.

In the path to winning this tournament, which is part of the BWF International Series, a grade 3, level 2 series, the Filipina fourth seed earned a first round bye, then easily took care of hometown bet Aisha Zhumabek in the second round, 21-6 21-5.

She eked out a 22-24 27-25 21-17 marathon in the quarterfinals against Indian netter Smit Toshniwal, before dispatching top seed Fatimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq of the Maldives in about half-an-hour, 21-6 21-6.

De Guzman would then triumph in the final against another Indian netter, Arundhati Nagaraja Muddu, 21-13 21-17 in a forty-minute skirmish. The Atenean gets a 2500-point boost with the result.

Meanwhile in Thailand, a few Filipino products of the Philippine Badminton Association's grassroots program found a bit of success at the BAT Pathumthani Junior International Series 2023, as JR Pandi and Mary Destiny Untal claimed the U17 mixed doubles title.

Both players are by-products of the Junior Philippine National Rankings series, which just concluded its tenth and final leg at Sta. Rosa, Laguna this past Sunday.

This leg saw Shan Clar and Althea Dawn Ocampo top its respective U19 singles crowns, while MJ Perez a double in U19 doubles with the National University rookie partnering with Gift Libanan in the boys and Niesha de Guzman in mixed.

Capping off the winners is the duo of Althea Princess Hernandez and Precious Libaton snapping up the girls doubles plum.

UP sweeps to seal inaugural PIBC crown

Your podium finishers (L-R: UP, PUP, Ateneo, San Beda)

The University of the Philippines made their case for the upcoming UAAP season in badminton, as they clinched the inaugural Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships at the badminton courts of Centro Atletico in Quezon City.

The Fighting Maroons did it in impressive fashion, winning all three matchups to lock in the title over San Beda on Sunday afternoon.

Jason Vanzuela and Michael Clemente secured the tie with a 21-16 21-11 victory over Arjhay Lazareto and Ramon Timothy Santos in men's doubles.

The Maroons shook off errors in the first set before settling things in the second to net the victory.

Kervin Llanes started things off for UP with a 21-13 22-20 triumph in men's singles against Laurence Alejo, with the latter's miscues late costing him the matchup.

In contrast, Anthea Gonzalez dominated her singles matchup against Dana Navarro, sealing the matchup, 21-7 21-7, setting up Vanzuela and Clemente's heroics.

By winning the PIBC, UP took home PhP 50,000, medals, a championship trophy, and Apacs rackets.

Lea Inlayo shares post-competition, "Since marami po kaming freshies medyo nag-aadjust pa kami. Pero hindi naman tumitigil ng support sila Tito Conrado (Co, UP's team manager), at happy po kami na after two years tuluy-tuloy pa rin po kami."

She adds, "Makakatulong po talaga to sa campaign namin (sa UAAP) para maging mas confident kami 'pag dating ng Season 85. Mas nabigyan kami ng boost and pride going into the season."

Completing the rest of the championship side are Susmita Ramos, Enzo Rivera, Jaja Andres, Paul Gonzales, and Althea Rio Fuentespina.

San Beda received PhP 20,000 as the runner-up, while Ateneo and PUP earned PhP 10,000 for finishing as the second-best team in their respective groups.

This tournament is organized by the Philippine Badminton Association, powered by SMART Communications, and supported by the MVP Sports Foundation, Ducksports, Young, and Apacs.

San Beda and UP to dispute inaugural PIBC title

San Beda into the finals

The University of the Philippines and San Beda topped their respective groups to set up a finals matchup on Sunday afternoon at the badminton courts of Centro Atletico in Quezon City for the SMART-Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships.

Sunday morning saw the Fighting Maroons winning all five matches of their tie against the University of Santo Tomas in Group A.

Kervin Llanes started things off with a 21-14 18-21 21-12 victory over Lennox Cuilao in men's singles.

Anthea Gonzalez neutralized her Golden Shuttler counterpart Charlize Belen, 21-6 21-5 in women's singles, before Michael Clemente and Paul Gonzales clinched the tie over Francis Sarmiento and Lanz Ramirez, 21-17 21-19.

Completing the sweep are Susmita Ramos and Althea Fuentespina's 21-15 21-14 victory over Elij Pena and Jennifer Saldaga in women's doubles, followed by Jason Vanzuela and Lea Inlayo's 21-15 21-13 win over Rhafi Santos and Ron Jacob Galve in mixed doubles.

Group B featured a matchup of undefeated teams, but the Red Shuttlers emerged victorious, 4-1.

Julie Gimena and Iana Belen clinched the tie for the lone NCAA participant in women's doubles, dispatching their Mighty Maroons counterparts Jermae and Angel Esto, 23-21 21-5.

PUP did manage to secure a win in their matchup, as Mary Joy Arizara claimed her singles matchup against Anniena Cruz. 21-12 21-18.

The other matchups ended in contrasting fashion.

Ateneo wrapped up its stint with a sweep over Adamson in Group A, as Arthur Salvado and Lynden Laborte secured a 21-15 21-15 triumph over Noel Hernandez and Gabrielle Ganov in men's doubles.

Technological University of the Philippines outlasted Rizal Technological University in the other matchup, 3-2, to wrap up their campaign.

Joanna Dumapit and Derothy Mella sealed the tie over Lowella Navarro and Andrea Paurillo in women's doubles.

Ateneo and PUP will finish as co-bronze medalists, with UP and San Beda set to dispute the title at 1pm.

This tournament is organized by the Philippine Badminton Association, powered by SMART Communications, and supported by the MVP Sports Foundation, Ducksports, Young, and Apacs.

San Beda, PUP, UP sweep in PIBC afternoon session

De Guzman and Abang for PUP

San Beda and PUP are set for a Sunday morning matchup to determine the finalist from Group B in the SMART Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships, after both schools swept their opposition on Saturday afternoon at the Centro Atletico courts in Quezon City.

The Red Lions secured their second win in the tournament against RTU, with the men's doubles tandem of Timothy Santos and Laurence Alejo needed twenty minutes to defeat Bryant Pili and Rowell Pereda, 21-15 21-8.

John Niel Panganiban got things going in men's singles with a 21-4 21-8 win over Louise Anton de Leon, followed by Anniena Cruz's 21-19 21-10 victory in women's singles.

Clinching the sweep for the Mendiola-based squad are Dana Navarro and June Gimena's 21-4 21-4 win over Andrea Pajarillo and Jolina Miranda in women's doubles, followed by Ianah Belen and Kish Laboy's 21-9 21-7 rout against Ada Alfonzo and Adrian Ong in mixed doubles.

For PUP, John Oliver de Guzman and Kevin Abang clinch the tie with a 21-10 21-13 victory in men's doubles against TUP counterparts Allen Benamir and John Emmanuel Balgos.

In Group A, the University of the Philippines kept their record spotless after sweeping Adamson.

Michael Clemente and Paul Gonzales clinched the tie with a 21-15 21-14 win over Gabrielle Hernandez and Noel Ganoy.

The Fighting Maroons can clinch the top spot with a win over the University of Santo Tomas

Ateneo entered the win column with a 4-1 win over UST, as Arthur Salvado ensured the tie belongs to the Blue Eagles with a 21-13 21-10 triumph over Kyle Adiel Basilio.

In addition, Lyndon Laborte and Bryan Bernardo defeated Francis Sarmiento and Lanz Ramirez in men's doubles, 24-22 21-15.

The final group phase matches are scheduled on Sunday at 8 a.m., while the championship tie is scheduled at 1 p.m. between the respective group winners.

The tournament is organized by the Philippine Badminton Association, powered by SMART Communications, and supported by the MVP Sports Foundation, Ducksports, Young, and Apacs.

Four medals for Smash Pilipinas in Africa

From L-R: Christian Bernardo, Thea Pomar, Rosman Razak, Yssa Leonardo, Alvin Morada

The Philippines netted four medals in international competition, pulling it off at the 2022 iteration of the Cameroon International in Yaounde.

The duo of Alvin Morada and Yssa Leonardo claimed the mixed doubles title, defeating Sathish Kumar Karunakaran and Aadya Varivath, 21-19 18-21 22-20 in the final.

Karunakaran and Varivath had earlier dispatched Christian Bernardo and Thea Pomar in the semifinals, 21-17 16-21 21-14, netting a bronze for the Filipino tandem.

Morada and Bernardo secured the other gold in men's doubles, defeating Dhruy Rawat and Chirag Sen, 21-12 21-13, while the other bronze came in women's doubles, with Pomar and Leonardo falling short against Srivedya Gurazada and Pooryisha S Ram, 19-21 14-21.

Two other Filipinos participated in the touranment, with Jewel Albo falling short in men's singles qualifying against Kim Sheng Chua, 17-21 17-21. Mika de Guzman, on the other hand, fell short against Katsuri Radhakrishnan, 14-21 21-10 18-21 in the quarterfinals. The Malaysian would eventually claim the women's singles title.

Philippine Badminton Association vice president Jude Turcuato shares, "I am immensely proud of the performance of our national athletes. The results show what our athletes can do, given our support. We vow to join more tournaments in the future for them to gain more exposure and experience. And, hopefully, we could bring more honor and achievements to the country like what we got here in Africa."

National team head coach Rosman Razak adds, "The players are starting to get the feel of playing continuously, and, hopefully, we will continue to improve and get more success."

The team is currently in Benin for a similar tournament, with upcoming tournaments in Yogyakarta down the line.

PBad reveals Inter-Collegiate competition

Jude Turcuato (SMART/MVPSF), Christopher Quimpo (PBad), Imee Moreno, and Melvin Nubla (SMART)

The Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD) is organizing a tournament to help collegiate teams with preparations for their respective leagues.

Called the Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships, co-presented by SMART and supported by the MVP Sports Foundation, it will take place on September 10-11 at the courts of Centro Atletico in Quezon City.

Unveiled on Wednesday at the Greenhills branch of Gloria Maris in San Juan, the announcement was graced by the presence of federation officials, led by Secretary-General Christopher Quimpo and Vice President Jude Turcuato, who also is the PLDT/SMART Head of Sports and the MVP Sports Foundation Executive Director. SMART Communications FVP for Go-to-Market Melvin Nubla was also present.

PIBC Project Director Imee Moreno shares, "The main objective of this tournament is to give another avenue for our athletes at our collegiate level." The councilor from Cagayan de Oro adds, "As we all know here in the Philippines there are very few avenues... that can serve as their training ground."

Nubla shares, "SMART is here to support the initiatives of PBAD especially since we started already with Badminton Asia a few months ago."

He also notes, "With the opening of the classes also happening, we decided to really work with PBAD to have a preseason badminton tournament."

Eight schools are expected to participate, with the team format to be applied within five divisions: men's and women's singles, men's and women's doubles, and mixed doubles. The champion receives PhP 50,000, with the runner-up netting PhP 20,000. The losing semifinalists will receive PhP 10,000.

To encourage participation for the inaugural edition of this potentially annual event, the federation has waived fees.

Holding the PIBC will kickstart PBAD's activities to boost competition in the sport back to pre-pandemic levels, especially after the recent Badminton Asia Championships this past April. In addition, Turcuato is looking at this event to establish the national badminton rankings, as a means to get to help get our local players the necessary points to play in major competitions with the end goal of Olympic participation.