Team FHM captures Epson badminton crown

Team FHM dominated the field to rule the First Epson Cup badminton tournament held recently at Pioneer Badminton in Mandaluyong City.

Team captain Alma Santos spearheaded FHM’s title bid against the top shuttlecock artist of Team Epson, Pioneer Badminton and Whistlestop after two days of grueling competition.

The core of the talented FHM team bagged the first Gokongwei Cup early this year before reigning supreme in the event, also sponsored by Victor, Pacific Internet and the Philippine Badminton Network.

Other backers include radio stations Magic 89.9 WTM, Wave 89.1, 99.5 RT, 103.5 K-Lite and the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The Pioneer Badminton team, led by skipper Bea Alonzo, fiercely battled Team FHM but came up short and settled for second place. Whistlestop and Team Epson wound up third and fourth, respectively.

Epson marketing head Randy Kanapi hailed the success of the event and vowed to continue supporting the development of the sport in the country.

Edmin Tarriela, one of the prime movers behind the event, said anotehr tournament is being planned in December to further develop the skills of Pioneer Badminton habitues.

"We’re planning a small tournemtn this Christmas season. It’s basically for pioneer badminton regulars. Our objective is for these players to hone their skills and prepare for bigger open tournament in the future," said Tarriela.

A total of 320 badminton enthusiasts flocked to Pioneer Badminton over the weekend and competed for supremacy in the men’s, ladies’ and mixed doubles categories.