Mendez saves day for PHL badminton

CEBU, Philippines - One of Cebu’s top badminton players, Ian Mendez, saved the day of the Filipinos after winning one of the five major titles at stake in the inaugural Li-Ning Manila Badminton Open 2011 at YPBC Badminton Club, Mandaluyong City.

Mendez won the men’s open title while the rest of the crowns at stake were won by the visiting Indonesians in a report on the event’s official website.

Mendez captured the title after surviving a thrilling three-set battle against Emmanuel Garcia, 21-13, 18-21, 21-16.

Mendez is a product of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, but now stays in Manila as a member of the national team.

The Ladies open singles was captured by Lili Wang against Descka Calimlim in straight sets, 21-12, 21-7.

Former Olympian, Minarti Timur, on the other hand, won the doubles event along with Lili Wang over Calimlim and Danica Danica Bolos, 21-17, 21-9 while the mixed doubles was won by Rudy Wijaya and Wang.

Wijaya also got the doubles title together with Kwee Tiek Ming following a come-from-behind victory over Pinoy bets Melvin Llanes and Emmanuel Garcia, 22-20, 21-17. (FREEMAN)