Alvarez, Villaflor reach maiden PNBO finals

MANILA, Philippines — Jochelle Alvarez and Clarence Villaflor moved one win away from breakthrough singles titles after booking spots in the women’s and men’s singles finals of the Philippine National Badminton Open 2026 yesterday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

Alvarez, the UAAP Season 86 co-MVP, outlasted UP incoming sophomore and reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Brys Ellewis Fuggan, 21-17, 17-21, 21-10, to reach the singles final of the national tournament for the first time.

In the men’s division, Villaflor advanced to his third consecutive PNBO final after defeating long-time national team stalwart Ros Pedrosa, 21-15, 22-20, in the tournament presented by the Philippine Sports Commission.