Morada, Bernardo down Omaña, Banaag

MANILA, Philippines — Alvin Morada and Christian Bernardo flexed their experience to set their men’s doubles title bid in motion in the 2023 Philippine Badminton Open yesterday at the Dragonsmash Badminton Center in Makati City.

The recently crowned 31st Iran Fajr International Challenge champions took down Deon Omaña and Mark Adrian Banaag, 21-7, 21-12, to move into the second round against Jerome Varquez and Nathan Chiu in this tournament backed by Yamaha, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., MWell, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., and Meralco.

Meanwhile, Allen Penute and Jeno Cariño pulled off an early upset over the duo of former national team standout Lanz Zafra and fellow National U student-athlete Zed Monterubio, 16-21, 21-16, 21-16.

On the women’s side, Shaynne Boloron and Palma Cruz of La Salle edged out Althea Fuentespina and Mica Airah Ibong of UP-Allied Badminton, 21-16, 21-17, to kick off action in their side of the bracket, which includes top-seeds Alyssa Leonardo and Thea Pomar.