Phl shuttlers vie in top int'l meets

MANILA, Philippines - The national shuttlers resume their buildup by competing in a series of international tournaments with the Joper Escueta-Peter Gabriel Magnaye and the Paul Jefferson Vivas-Ronel Estanislao tandems set to see action in the Indonesian Grand Prix on Sept. 25-30 in Palembang.

The two doubles pairs will next head to the European circuit where they will compete in the Ireland Future Series, the Swiss International and French Open early next month.

Meanwhile, the national junior team, headed by Malvinne Ann Venice Alcala, left for the Yonex Belgian juniors on Herstal, Belgium slated this week. Alcala and company will also compete in the Swiss Juniors in Prilly on Sept. 28-30.

The nationals recently saw action in the Japan Open Super Series in Tokyo, gaining outright spots in the main draw following their impressive performance in the Djarum Indonesia Open last June where the Escueta-Magnaye tandem moved to No. 131 from No. 225 in the ranking.

The duo, however, dropped a 26-28, 19-21 decision to Yang Zhao Aston Chen and Zi Liang Perek Wong of Singapore. Vivas and Estanislao also bowed to Denmark’s Rasmus Bonde and Mads Conrad Pederson, 21-15, 21-19.

But Philippine Badminton Association chair Manny V. Pangilinan and secretary general Rep. Albee Benitez, who flew to Japan to provide moral support for the teams, said they were impressed with the national teams’ performances.

The PBA, headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, is hoping to send a competitive team to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 through massive build-up of its senior and junior squads.

The nationals, backed by Victor, exclusively distributed in the country by PCome Industrial Sales, train twice daily at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall.