Cudia, Macaspac rule JVC regional tilt

Jackilyn Cudia of Team Lasik overwhelmed teammate Kathleen Balatbat, 21-9, 21-13, while Stanley Macaspac survived Rafael Sanchez, 21-19, 21-14, to top their respective divisions in the elite event of the JVC Regional Badminton Championships at the Excel Badminton Center in San Fernando, Pampanga over the weekend.

The victories netted Cudia and Macaspac P5,000, gold medal plus gift items each with the duo also gaining berths in the upcoming JVC Open Badminton Championships slated in July at the Glorietta.

Liza Encarnacion outlasted Golden Shuttle Foundation teammate Monica Yupangco, 21-16, 21-10, to bag the girls’ crown in the junior division sponsored by JVC (PHILS.), Inc. Paul Vivas of Mighty Bulilit took the boys’ plum with a 21-6, 21-11 rout of J. Hendrix Pajarillo of UC Pozorrubio.

Meanwhile, Davao will host the third regional leg on May 1-5 at the Wheels ‘N More Badminton Club with Bacolod staging the final leg on May 15-19 at the Pohang Badminton Center. Deadline for submission of entries is on April 26 (Davao) and May 11 (Bacolod).

Over at SM Pampanga, Gerald Sibayan disposed of last year’s 10-under champion Jan Banquiles in a thrilling three-setter to gain a quarterfinal berth in the boys’ 12-under division of the JVC Open Juniors Championships yesterday.

Sibayan, playing out of Fort Bonifacio Elem. School, bucked a first set setback as he put on an amazing display of shotmaking in the next two to complete a rousing 21-23, 21-14, 21-14 victory.

Others who advanced in the event backed by Victor rackets, Bingo Bonanza, Snickers Chocolate, Hanford, L-Time Studio, Lactacyd, Alaska, Pinoy Exchange, Pioneer Life, Accel, PowerSmash, The STAR, Sunbolt and Rudy Project, were Michael Bote, Tomas Sayco, Bernardito Ablang and Lance Bautista.

Malvine Alcala and Gelita Castillo led the quarterfinalists in the girls’ side. Others who advanced were Regina dela Merced, Michelle Hernandez, Samantha Santos, Elizabeth Manalang, Michelle Milan and Camille Chu.

Action in junior division resumes next weekend at SM Marilao with the staging of the quarterfinal round in the 10-under classes for boys and girls (singles and doubles) on April 29 and in the 12-under category on April 30.