Villaceran, Hipolito reign in Epson Cup

The STAR’s Melody Villaceran and Jojo Hipolito played true to form while Alex Cuevas and Renel Bernaldo survived their opponents to capture the Epson Cup 2 badminton championship crown during the weekend at the Greenhills Badminton Center.

Installed as heavy favorites, the top-seeded Villaceran and Hipolito easily disposed Kathy Kuan and Cathy Escasinas, 15-7, 15-7, to bag the ladies’ doubles Class A title.

In contrast, Cuevas and Bernaldo had anxious moments before throwing off Gabby Nepomuceno and Jeff Tablante, 15-10, 15-5, on their way to the men’s doubles Class A plum.

But while the results in the elite classes came out just as expected, the matches in Class B produced a pair of king-sized upsets during the event sponsored by Shell, Chowking Madison Square, Fitness First, BHM, PBNet and Yehey.com.

Lower-ranked players Jhun Adarna and Orly Amil stunned the seasoned tandem of Jake Saberon and Riki Francisco, 15-10, 15-5, to snare the title in men’s Class B.

In the ladies group, Mafi Basit and Bing Mejia repulsed pre-tournament favorites Joy Balcita and Debbie Madrid, 15-9, 1-15, 15-4, to crown themselves Class B doubles champions.

Erwin Valencia and Raoul Gonzales shared the spotlight by downing Lance Hizon and Chito Basit, 15-7, 15-13, in men’s Class C while Helen Tam and Jean Kho defeated Betsy Ormido and Princess Cadauan, 15-5, 15-9, on the distaff side.

Malou Santos and Jennifer Soriano whipped Dea Alonzo and Guia Reyes, 15-5, 15-9, in ladies Class D after Badette Domingo and Pepa Ramos escaped with a narrow 17-16, 7-15, 15-11 win over Jona Vitug and Melissa Villegas in Class E.

Geraldo Signio and Ghino Lorenzo seized the men’s Class D trophy from the No. 1-ranked tandem of Paul Puentespina and Jarold Dia, 12-15, 17-16, 15-6, while Rowin Cahanding and Mir Ignacio creamed Antonio Aglugub and William Te, 15-7, 15-2, in Class E.

Sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association, Epson Cup 2 is also supported by Wilson, Citibank, Apple Center, Konica, Mizuno, UNO Magazine, Badmintion Philippines, Ridgewood Hotel-Baguio, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Magic 89.9 and 99.5 RT.

In mixed doubles, Ui Mendoza and JV Madrid subdued Beth Pulido and Paul Macatangay, 15-11, 15-3, in Class B while Cielo Regino and Wally Yonson hurdled Malen and Marlon Enriquez, 15-11, 15-10 in Class C.

Actress Ynez Veneracion and Mark Delgado clobbered Katherine Perez and Asher Sajid, 15-6, 15-5 in Class C mixed doubles after Pia Antonio and Andrew Garcia struggled past Lheny Afable and Lance Limqueco, 15-7, 12-15, 15-11, in Class D.