THE country’s top badminton players will figure in their first tournament in two years when the Manny V. Pangilinan Second Badminton Cup is held on February 23-25 at the Olympic Badminton Center in Pasig City.
A total of 34 players will compete in men’s doubles, men’s singles, women’s doubles, and women’s singles.
This will also be the first time Smash Pilipinas coach Rosman Razak can evaluate the players as he plots his pool for the 31st Southeast Asian Games in May.
“Since I came here, this is the first time I can see the players play in a competitive setting,” said the Malaysian, a two-time SEA Games silver medalist. “This is the first time they will play in this pandemic. The SEA Games is two months away and we still have time.”
Competing in the men’s division aree Alvin Morada, Ros Pedrosa, Rabie Oba-ob, James Villarante, Christian Bernardo, John Paul Pantig, Mark Anthony Velasco, Jewel Albo, Clarence Villaflor, Lance Vargas, Kenneth Monterubio, July Villabrille, Solomon Padiz, Joshua Morada, Jason Vanzuela, Robert Ishmael Ramos, Jefferson Oba-ob, John Michael Estrada, John Matthew Bernardo, and Michael Clemente.
For the women’s division of the tournament backed by Smart Communications, the MVP Sports Foundation, and Philippine Sports Commission, Thea Pomar, Nicole Albo, Eleanor Inlayo, Jochelle Alvarez, Mikaela De Guzman, Sarah Barredo, Janelle San Andres, Anthea Gonzales, Susmita Angelique Ramos, Althea Fuentespina, Danielle Masongsong, Andrea Hernandez, Christel Fuentespina, and Angel Valle are set to compete.
“I hope the players can show me something good,” said Razak. “This is the first time for me to evaluate the players, not just within our system but also outside of it. This is really a good opportunity for me to see what the Philippine badminton player is all about.”
