Gonzalez, Fuggan strike

MANILA, Philippines —  Anthea Gonzalez and Brys Fuggan opened their respective bids for the Women’s Singles Open title with dominant victories on the second day of the 2026 MIA Badminton Challenge Cup at the MIA Sports Center in Pasay City.

Gonzalez, who is set to play her fifth and final year with  UP in the upcoming UAAP season, needed just 14 minutes to dispatch Lorraine Araneta of the Cardinal Shuttlers, 15–5, 15–1, and advance to the Round of 16.

Fuggan, meanwhile, made it an even quicker 12-minute clinic against Alexandra Gozon, 15–3, 15–1, to make the next round of this Super 500 tournament backed by Rally Sports, JPA Sports, Wilkins Pure, Minute Maid, and Playa de Nubla Private Resort.

Gonzalez will next face Thi Thanh Nhi Huynh, who defeated Chutunit Duremdes, 15–9, 15–13, while. Fuggan drew Saint Benilde’s Frente Go, walkover winner over Kaitlin Panganiban.

The two led the other Fighting Maroons who rolled to the next round, with incoming captain Sushmita Ramos and Karen Zapanta also moving on.