Oba-ob blasts Adiaton

MANILA, Philippines —  Rabie Oba-ob opened his 2026 MIA Badminton Challenge Cup campaign in dominant fashion, blasting Iammai Adiaton, 15–9, 15–2, at the MIA Sports Center in Pasay City yesterday.

The tournament’s top seed and No. 4-ranked player in the country needed just 22 minutes to fend off Adiaton, although the seasoned veteran admitted he still had to adjust to the tournament’s scoring system.

“Medyo nanibago sa up-to-15. Mabilis talaga siyang laruin. Kailangang aggressive talaga,” said the Philippine Air Force airman first class.

Oba-ob will next face Christian Paderon – 15–3, 15–0 winner over Jey Li – in the Round of 32 at 1 p.m. today.

Elsewhere in the top section of the draw, Joseph Lopez and Aaron Bedaña also secured their spots in the Round of 32.

Lopez, a University of the Philippines product, scored a 15–6, 15–3 victory over James Carpina. Bedaña, an incoming UST sophomore, beat Shane Polayapoy, 15–5, 15–6.