Alvin Morada and Christian Bernardo flexed just enough muscles to set their men’s doubles title bid in style in the 2023 Philippine Badminton Open Tuesday at the Dragonsmash Badminton Center in Makati City.
The recently crowned 31st Iran Fajr International Challenge champions took down Deon Omaña and Mark Adrian Banaag, 21-7, 21-12, to move into the second round against Jerome Varquez and Nathan Chiu in this tournament backed by Yamaha, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, MWell, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, and Meralco.
Sharing the limelight with Morada and Bernardo were Allen Penute and Jeno Cariño who upset former national team standout Lanz Zafra and fellow National University student-athlete Zed Monterubio, 16-21, 21-16, 21-16.
On the women’s side, Shaynne Boloron and Palma Cruz of De La Salle University edged out Althea Fuentespina and Mica Airah Ibong of UP-Allied Badminton, 21-16, 21-17, to kick off women’s doubles action in their side of the bracket, which includes top-seeds Alyssa Leonardo and Thea Pomar. Taking care of the other side’s start, Althea Princess Hernandez and Tia Kirsten Bualat of Whackers Badminton outlasted Jacqueline Pantoja and Katrina Togado of DLSU, 14-21, 21-15, 24-22.
Standing in their way are former UAAP standouts Airah Mae Nicole Albo and Lea Inlayo, and Andrea Hernandez and Susmita Ramos, as the second-ranked and third-seeded pairs, respectively.
