Barredo, Alcala reach semifinal

MANILA, Philippines - Sarah Barredo and Mark Alcala pulled off a pair of reversals to barge into the semifinal round of their respective divisions in the Smart National Open badminton tournament at Powersmash in Makati City yesterday.

Barredo upset former national player Gelita Castilo, 21-13, 21-17, in the elims then trounced Hannah Tudtud, 21-6, 21-16, in the quarters to clinch the first semis seat in the women’s Open singles.

Pauline Marie Tan, meanwhile, turned back Aldreen Rae Concepcion, 21-12, 17-21, 21-17, to set up a semis clash with Barredo.

Alcala, for his part, shocked top seed Toby Gadi, 21-18, 17-21, 21-15, in the quarters to seal a Final Four duel with Ross Pedrosa, who bundled out Kenneth Monterubio, 21-13, 21-13, in the tournament put up by the MVP Sports Foundation, PBA, Smart Live More, Sun Cellular, Smash Philippines and Babolat.

The event, backed by Smart Telecommunication’s chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association, is part of the Philippine National Ranking System.

Rabbie Jason Oba-ob downed Kevin Dalisay, 21-19 21-17, while Kevin Cudiamat repulsed RJ Ormilla, 21-18, 11-21, 21-12, to advance.

 to the semis.

Former national player Malvinne Alcala ripped Samantha Ramos, 21-11, 21-13, to arrange a semis showdown with Lili Wang, who ousted Aira Mae Nicole Albo, 21-12, 21-18.