Filipina shuttlers show heart, bag silver

MANILA, Philippines — Seanna Berce and Psalm Tablante secured a historic silver medal for the Philippines in the girls’ under-15 doubles as the inaugural Philippine Junior International Series, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, concluded yesterday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA-Laguna students battled Malaysia’s Leanne Fong and Xin Lian Yiew until the final rally, but the Malaysian pair ultimately prevailed, 21-19, 21-13, to become the tournament’s first-ever champions.

“Malungkot po kami na natalo kami, pero babalik po kami nang mas malakas. Babawi po kami,” said Berce.

Despite the defeat, the pair from Laguna cherished the opportunity to represent the Philippines and show what young Filipino athletes can accomplish when given the chance.

Fong and Yiew’s victory highlighted Malaysia’s strong showing in the tournament, which brought together young badminton players from more than 30 countries.

Doubles specialist Khairul Azlan Khashah emerged as a two-time champion after capturing both the mixed and men’s under-19 doubles titles.

The 16-year-old Khashah and Nur Aina Maisarah defeated Vietnam’s Nguyen Tat Duy Loi and Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen, 21-16, 21-8, in the mixed U19 final.

Khashah later teamed up with Yusuf M. Iqbal to claim the men’s U19 doubles crown, edging their opponents, 21-16, 17-21, 23-21.