Bingo Bonanza badminton listup ends Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines – Deadline for registration for the Bingo Bonanza National Open badminton tournament ends Tuesday with the P1.5 million event moved to Oct. 19-25 at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Center and at Glorietta 5 in Makati City.

Organizers have decided to reset the top-ranking event in response to the clamor of the big number of players still vying in their respective collegiate leagues.

A full-packed field is expected in the men’s and ladies Open singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

The qualifiers will be held in the first three days starting Oct. 19 at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall before action shifts to Glorietta 5 for the quarterfinals from Oct. 22 all the way to the finals starting at 1 p.m. on Oct. 25.

Gelita Castilo and Marky Alcala captured the singles crowns in last year’s revival of the event, sponsored by Bingo Bonanza in its effort to help develop and promote the sport. The country’s premier amusement center used to be  the chief backer of big-time badminton tournaments since the early 2000s.

Others tipped to join in the event, sponsored by Gatorade, Glorietta, Smash Pilipinas and the Philippine Olympic Committee and sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay and sec-gen Rep. Albee Benitez, are R-Jay Ormilla, Kenneth Monterubio, Kevin Cudiamat, Paul Vivas and Peter Magnaye in the men’s side while Sarah Barredo, Airah Albo, Christine Inlayo and Malvinne Alcala are expected to crowd Castilo in the women’s side.

A slew of Chinese players and other foreign participants have also been invited, promising a spirited battle for top honors in various divisions in the event which also stakes ranking points for the local players aside from cash prizes and trophies, according to tournament director Nelson Asuncion.