MANILA, Philippines - In eight years, the annual Yonex-Sunrise Philippines National Open Badminton Championships has produced several men and women champions from the junior divisions up to the open class, supporting the development of Philippine badminton throughout the years.
Yonex, the number one badminton equipment and apparel brand in the world, along with its partner “Sunrise,” has vowed to remain committed to sustaining the growth of Philippine badminton from holding active competitions to help players.
The yearly tournament, participated in by more than 900 players around the country has seen champions such as the Asuncion siblings, Kennie and Kennevic, and has witnessed the rise of four-time men’s open winner and national player Antonino Gadi and Ma Bianca Isabel Carlos, among others.
Kennevic won the 2004 and 2005 men’s open singles class, while sister Kennie captured the women’s open singles class and a string of mixed open doubles championship from 2004, 2005 and 2008. Gadi recently won his fourth singles title a week ago.
All-throughout the years, Carlos emerged champion from 2007 junior’s girl’s 13-and-under singles, 2008 15-and-under, 17-and-under singles in 2010 before winning her first women open singles plum in 2009. She also won the 19-and-under girls singles and the women’s open singles crowns in this year’s edition.
“The Yonex-Sunrise tournament is getting better and better every year,” said Rebecca Gonzalez, the Yonex-Sunrise Philippines chief representative officer. “The tournament takes pride in being part of growing badminton careers of top Philippine shuttlers.”
Gonzalez said they are helping the young athletes achieve their dreams by sponsoring individual players, clubs and schools like the ABC-Golden Shuttle Foundation, University of the Philippines Badminton Team, among others.
“We are glad to support many high caliber badminton players with the likes of Asuncion, Gadi and Carlos as well as aspiring individuals throughout the years. Yonex is very committed,” said Gonzalez. Yonex also supports future champions Justin Natividad, Samantha Louise Ramos, Elijah Abdel Boac, JC Clarito, Rabie Jason Oba-ob, Benjude Cajefe and Patrick Gecosala.