Euro team snares MVP Cup

This time, the Europeans are going home with the MVP Cup.

Behind big wins in mixed doubles and women’s singles, the best of Europe humbled the finest of Asia and ruled the MVP Cup, a successful three-day Ryder Cup-style badminton tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

Despite a victory by perennial world No. 1 Lin Dan of China over Kenneth Jonassen of Denmark in the closing men’s singles, the Europeans rounded up the final points tally at 10-8. They lost to the Asians last year, 11-7.

Kamilla Rytter Juhl and Thomas Laybourn opened the gates for the European win with a 22-24, 21-17, 21-18 come-from-behind victory over the Filipino tandem of Kennevic and Kennie Asuncion in mixed doubles.

Then came Yao Jie’s 21-19, 18-21, 21-11 decision over world No. 1 Zhang Ning of China. The victory worth three points sealed the European supremacy this year and earned them a huge $60,000 to be divided among themselves.

Not even Lin’s 21-13, 14-21, 21-14 triumph over world No. 4 Jonassen could turn the tide in Asia’s favor.

The loss is not that bitter for the Asians because there’s $40,000 for them to enjoy. Businessman Manny V. Pangilinan put up the prize money, probably bigger than most tournaments in other parts of the world.

Members of the European team hugged, kissed and lifted the MVP Cup like it’s the greatest of them all. Under confetti and amid cheers from the big Sunday crowd, they also received the winner’s check from MVP.

Also gracing the centercourt celebration were Philippine Badminton Association chief Amelita "Ming" Ramos who came with former President Fidel V. Ramos. They watched the matches from ringside, cheering on the Asians and the Europeans as well.

The Europeans are flying out of the country today, some of them going back home and a number flying straight to Macau for another tournament.

The 29-year-old Jie, born in Wuha, China, started competing for Europe five years ago when she became a member of Holland’s national team. She must have felt mixed emotions beating the No. 1 Chinese and winning the MVP Cup for Europe.

"I feel very proud beating the number one in the world," Jie said through an interpreter. "I’ve only beaten her twice in many meetings."

The loudest cheers for the day, however, were reserved for the Asuncions who put up a gallant stand against the world No. 7 mixed doubles pair.

Laybourn said it wasn’t easy going up against the hometown favorites.

"Yes, it was not easy for us because we knew that the Filipinos are playing very good here on their homecourt. We had a good start but they came back to win the first set," said Laybourn.

"They (Asuncions) played really good today. We’ve played them three years ago and they played well, too. So I hope to see more of them," he added.