1ST Metrosport Anniversary smash:Bergantin claims 12-under crown

John Kevin Bergantin bounced back from an anemic start to bag the 12-boys singles diadem in the 1st Metrosports Badminton Club (MBC) Anniversary Smash yesterday at the MBC, Salinas Drive, Lahug.

Bergantin of Mandaue City rallied back from a 7-15 first set loss and gallantly pulled off a huge comeback in the second and third frames, 15-9, 15-4, to oust fancied Brian Mercado.

Also, young Bacolod City smasher Nikki Servando was not to be outdone as she stole the limelight and seized the girl's tiara.

Servando blanked Carmille Cua in the opening set, 15-0, and wrapped up the games with another impressive 15-2 scoring.

In the women's doubles B (21-35 class), the partnership of Allaine Arias and Jeselle Solivas relegated to first runner-up finish the duo of Elvie Abatayo and Anabelle Sevilla, 15-7, 15-6.

On the other hand, the formidable tandem of Sypro Mijares and Ian Mendez of the University of San Jose-Recoletos barged into the final round in the premier men's open.

Mijares and Mendez scored a 15-8, 15-8 whipping over Eduardo Dignos and Geoffrey Veraces of the University of the Visayas in the semifinal round.

The lost landed Dignos and Veraces in the loser's bracket, though, they still have a chance to secure a finals ticket when they face off against the winner between Eliezer Yac and Jessie Miñoza and Ronald Daymiel and Leo Palumbarit.

Also booking a finals berth were Fe Martano and partner Rozen Cordaño in the mixed C (36-up) eliminating Brian Villahermosa and Didi Villahermosa, 15-11, 15-8.

Ethel Chuachoy and Toni Belir won over Ogie Laranas and Jeselle Solivas, 21-3, in the mixed doubles B (21-35), while Noel Butchoy and Agnes Liao defeated Brian Codina and Shelvy Tinoco, 21-7, in the mixed C (21-35-A) category.

Also winning in their respective campaigns were Tim Abay and Yan yan Saluria against Vince Uy and Elizalde Berdon, 21-12 in the mixed C (21-35-B), and Armel Lon and Luanne Lawian over Jo Suarez and Mimin Acosto, 21-12, in the mixed C (21-35-A).

Other winners in the elimination round include tournament organizer Marili Saluria and Sabin Villo over Andrew Cua and Arlyn Cua, 21-6 in the mixed D (36-up A) and Chinky Cortes and Martin Ledesma over Dico Ong and Gabby Cruz, 21-4 in the mixed C (36-up).