Sixth seed Ma. Bianca Ysabel Carlos capped her giant-slaying spree as she brought down second pick Mariya Anghela Sevilla of Smash Pilipinas, 21-15, 21-16, yesterday to crown herself women’s singles champion in the Smart National Open Badminton Tournament 2016 at the Powersmash Badminton Center and Vista Mall in Taguig City.
Carlos, an Ateneo de Manila standout, also slew top seed Sarah Joy Barredo also of the Smash Pilipinas, 21-18, 21-12, in the quarterfinals, routed Mikaela Joy de Guzman of Golden Shuttle Foundation, 21-13, 21-11, in the semis that set her up against Sevilla in the title match.
In the finals, Carlos, a former PHL National Games singles gold medallist and many-time Yonex titlist, was just untouchable as she dominated Sevilla, who made it that far by besting Gelita Aquino Castilo with a come-from-behind 6-21, 21-9, 21-11 triumph, in the semis.
The win by Carlos should earn her enough Philppine Badminton Association’s PHL National Ranking System (PNRS) points to improve her national rankings.
The PNRS is a system being used to gauge the player’s strength.
In the men’s section, American Shahrul Shazwan of Team Apacs defeated Rabie Jayson Oba-ob of Team Prima, 21-13, 21-19, to clinch the crown in this four-day tournament sponsored by Smart, MVPSF, Victor exclusively distributed by Pcome Industrial Sales, Bali Pure, Koffee Luwak, Prima Pasta, 100Plus and venue partners Powersmash Badminton Center and Vista Mall Taguig.
On his way to the gold medal game of this meet organized by Forthright Events and Sports Management, Inc. represented by tournament director Yoly Araullo, Shazwan dumped back Christian Bernardo of Ateneo-Team Prima, 21-8, 21-8, and Michael Kevin Cudiamat of Smash Pilipinas, 21-13, 21-17.
Then Shazwan overcame Oba-ob for the gold.
Smart Sports chief Christopher “Epok” Quimpo said this meet is part of the MVP Sports Foundation’s efforts to help find and develop athletes not just in badminton but other sports as well.
“This is part of the MVP Sports Foundation in keeping not just badminton but sports in our country alive,” said Quimpo.