Four teams mix it up in Pioneer tilt

Four teams will battle for supremacy in the Pioneer Badminton Christmas tournament, which reels off Dec. 13 at the Pioneer Badminton courts in Mandaluyong City.

Pre-tournament favorite Pacific Internet will test its mettle against Team Aqua Blue and a pair battle-grizzled squads from Pioneer Badminton in the tournament backed by Pacific Internet, Aqua Blue, Whistlestop, Wilson, Magic 89.9 and Yehey.com.

Pioneer Badminton chief Edmin Tarriela said the 170 shuttlecock artists who survived the two-week qualifying would be drafted by the four teams and categorized depending on their level of skill.

The two-day tournament culminates with a Christmas party-cum-awarding ceremony where the participants will be treated to a live acoustic performance by Mute Madness on Dec. 14 at the Whistlestop Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City.

"This tournament is designed to keep the players in shape even during the Yuletide season. It is extra special because it was organized by Pioneer Badminton members themselves," said Tarriela.

Organizing committee head Dea Alonzo and Tarriela mapped out the year-end event, which drew a multitude of badminton enthusiasts around Metro Manila. Organizers have already met their target as the number of participants breached the 150 mark.

Tarriela said the tournament is primarily designed to give its members an opportunity to hone their skills for bigger tournaments lined up next year.

The event came at the heels of the Epson Cup badminton tournament, which enticed over 400 badminton fanatics, forcing organizers to trim the number of participants down to a reasonable level.