Bronze for Villabrille-Padiz

MANILA, Philippines — Julius Villabrille and Solomon Padiz’s magical run came to an end with a podium finish after falling to Malaysia’s Choong Hon Jian and Wong Vin Sea, 7–21, 19–21, in the men’s doubles semifinals of the Philippine International Challenge 2026, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

The Malaysians carried the momentum from their quarterfinal victory, racing to an early lead in the opening game before cruising to a dominant win.

Villabrille and Padiz, however, refused to go down without a fight in the second game. Trailing 15–20, the Filipino pair saved five match points to keep their hopes alive before Wong finally sealed the contest with a drive smash after more than 28 minutes, sending the Malaysians to the championship match of the tournament backed by the MVP Sports Foundation, Smart, PLDT, Yonex, Sunrise, Maynilad, Cignal, MWell, Jollibee, Milksha, and Telescoop.

“Nabigla lang din kami sa nangyari kasi in-expect namin na kaya namin sila,” said Villabrille.