Rolando Agus and Arnel Madeo of Foundation, which won the men’s crown in 2001, worked hard under the scorching sun to keep their hopes alive for another crack at the title and the P150,000 purse.
Foundation lost its morning match to Southern Philippines Foundation, 21-17, 21-17, but came back strong against St. La Salle in the afternoon, and sent Emmanuel Luces and Mark Sabusap packing.
Joining Foundation as the Visayas representatives to the April 19 to 21 Boracay stage of the annual event are Southern Philippines Foundation (SPF) and San Carlos.
James Rivera and Ronald Melencion of SPF advanced with its win over Foundation while Roderick Arenasa and Edward Tecson of San Carlos made it with a 21-19, 19-21, 15-9 win over St. La Salle.
San Carlos earlier booked a final berth with a 21-19, 19-21, 15-9 victory over the same St. La Salle pair.
In the women’s division, San Jose Recoletos made it to Boracay with a 21-11, 21-16 win over Southern Philippines Foundation, and University of the Visayas via a 21-11, 21-14 win over Southwestern. Southern Philippines Foundation and Southwestern were disputing the third and last final slot at presstime. – Abac Cordero
Speedo, Mikasa, Villa de Oro Boracay, Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, Boracay Gold Crowne Club, Microtel Inns and Suites Boracay, Hey! Jude @ D’Malll, D’Mall D’Boracay, La Salle Greenhills, Schering Plough Coppertone and Crystal Sand are this year’s sponsors.