Dacanay, Santos head FDG Cup Invitational winners

MANILA, Philippines - Philip Dacanay and Jason Santos swept their five matches, including a 21-10, 21-12 romp over Ramil Calangi and Al Kaw in the final to capture the Level A crown in the invitational side of the FDG Cup 2011 National Open badminton tournament at PowerSmash in Makati over the weekend.

Jeffrey Cham and Percival Francisco recovered from a first set loss and turned back the Liza Sy-Nick Sy tandem, 23-25, 21-14, 11-5, for the Level B title while Romy Llige and Nicky Villanueva repulsed Mario Estillope and Derrick Figueroa, 18-21, 21-13, 11-8, for the Level C plum.

Sirluck Bantugan and Danilo Tayao also pulled off a three-setter over Sam Mejia and Francis Rubio, 21-12, 15-21, 11-6, to top Level D while Lulay Alano and Marjorie Wong downed Amabelle Dizon and Alvin Teng, 21-11, 21-4, to rule Level E.

Beth Herrera and Tess Morfe held off Nida Alegre and Monica Arboleda, 21-18, 21-11, to cop the Level F crown in the tournament which featured employees and business partners of Robinsons Land Corp., which consists of the company’s suppliers, contractors, architects, designers and construction managers.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, also the president of the Philippine Badminton Association, and RLC president Frederick Go awarded the prizes to the winners in rites hosted by TV personality Pia Guanio.

Malaysian Ambassador Ibrahim Saad and his wife also came to watch world No. 1 men’s singles player Lee Chong Wei and Koo Kien Keat, the world No. 4 in men’s doubles, play exhibition matches with Go and Kennevic Asuncion in the highlight of the eighth staging of the two-day event. Lee impressed the big crowd with his power and trick shots while four lucky fans got the rare chance to play with the Malaysian ace.

A total of 190 items, including the grand prize of IPAD 2 were also raffled off.

Ronel Estanislao and Paul Vivas ruled the centerpiece Open men’s doubles with a 21-10, 21-10 win over Ariel delos Santos and Gabriel Villanueva, while Gelita Castilo and Dia Magno clinched the ladies plum with a 20-22, 21-10, 21-18 win over RLC’s Jubie Ann Vallarta and Ma. Isabelle Villaran.

Castilo also teamed up with Antonino Gadi to beat Estanislao and Malvinne Alcala, 21-17, 21-15, for the mixed doubles title.