Cebu to host national juniors badminton tilt

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu badminton gets a boost as the country's cream of the crop of age group badminton invade Cebu to play in the national finals of the 2nd Sun Cellular National Juniors badminton tournament from September 26 to 27 at the Metro Sports badminton courts and the J Centre Mall.

This was disclosed the other say at the press conference and launch of the event at the J Centre Mall in Mandaue.

Tournament Organizer Yoly Araullo said everything is set for Cebu's hosting after last year's national finals in Manila. She explained that all regional legs of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao were done and all regional champions will be coming over to determine a national champion for the different age groups and events.

For his part, Smart Sports Marketing manager Paolo Dizon reiterated Smart's support for sports and its quest to discover new talents and future champions. “One of our key passion points is sports, and we are here to support sports in whatever way we can,” Dizon said.

The clash for national championships will be played in four age groups: Under 19, 17, 15, 13, and 11. Events on tap in the Under 19 to Under 15 age groups are boys singles, girls singles, boys doubles, girls doubles and mixed doubles.

The events in the Under 13 and 11 age groups will be only boys singles and girls singles.

All players will earn ranking points in the Philippine National Ranking System (PRNS), the basis for selection to the national training pool of the Philippine Badminton Association.

Leading the charge for Cebu are multiple Palaro gold medalist Carl Bernard Bejasa and James Ryan Villarante of the University of San Carlos BED. Bejasa will compete in the Under 15 boys singles event, and pair with Villarante in Under 15 boys doubles.

Coach Patrick Estoconing said the boys are ready and even hyped that Bejasa had beaten those from Manila in previous tournaments. The other Visayas champions come from different clubs in Bacolod and Cadiz.

Among the touted players from Manila are Luzon Under 15 and 13 boys singles champion Jewel Angelo Albo and Luzon Under 17 and 19 boys singles champion Mark Shelley Alcala.

The format for all events will be a round robin among the three regional champions. The player(s) with the best record will be declared champion. The first day of the national finals will be played at Metro Sports in Lahug, while the final round will be played at the Atrium of the J Centre Mall where Victor will lay out two badminton courts to be shipped from Manila.

J Centre Marketing OIC Napnap Pacres said Smart will dress up the mall with the second floor to be set up with special activity booths, while the convention center will serve as venue for the awarding ceremony. Smart will also shoulder all the expenses for travel and accommodations for all the players.

The two-day tilt is sponsored by Sun Cellular, Smart Communications, MVP Sports Foundation, Smash Philippines, Victor (exclusively distributed by Pcome Industrial Services), Bayfront Hotel (official hotel), and the J Centre Mall Mandaue as the official venue. The tournament is organized by Forthright Events & Sports Management Inc. (FREEMAN)