Badminton talents tapped thru PNRS

MANILA, Philippines – Michael Cudiamat and Sarah Barredo remain on top of their respective sides based on the latest Philippine National Ranking System with top finishes in various PNRS-sanctioned tournaments used to identify talents for the national team.

The Philippine Badminton Association (PBA) Smash Pilipinas has implemented the PNRS in the Bingo Bonanza National Open, the FDG Cup, the Smart Open, the Prima Pasta Open, the Sun Cellular National Juniors, as well as in last year’s Toby’s Badminton tournament and the Philippine National Games (PNG).

“We have identified a lot of new talents during the last two years and we will continue with this process,” said PBA-Smash Pilipinas sec-gen and Negros Occidental Rep. Albee Benitez. “I’m very happy that the PNRS has become an effective and useful tool for the association. We also see how the players improve over time.”

Joining Cudiamat and Barredo in the top ranking are Jason Oba-ob and RJ Ormilla in the men’s singles side and Pauline Tan and Aira Mae Nicole Albo in the women’s category along with national doubles players Philip Joper Escueta and Ronel Estanislao, Peter Magnaye and Paul Vivas.

“We are thankful to all the organizers for holding these competitive badminton tournaments, which give opportunities to many young players. At the same time, they also increase the level of competitiveness of the sport,” said Benitez.

PBA Smash Pilipinas team manager Atty. Jackie Cruz also cited badminton sports apparel and equipment supplier Victor for helping the PBA Smash Pilipinas this year, particularly in its grassroots program.

“Victor helps us in propagating the sport particularly with the very young players,” said Cruz. “Hopefully, we will have more young players taking up the sport in the years to come.”

The PBA is headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay with Smart Telecommunications top honcho Manny V. Pangilinan as chairman.