Asuncions 'accidental' champs in Laos
MANILA, Philippines - Siblings Kennie and Kennevic Asuncion marked their return to the international scene with a come-from-behind victory, beating the Thai pair of Siriwat Matayanumati and Pattaraporn Piyapintu, 17-21, 21-15, 21-16, to capture the mixed doubles gold in the Laos International Challenge in Vientiane, Laos last week.
It was a surprising victory for the Asuncions, who actually came to Laos to accompany the younger players as coaches of the Golden Shuttle Foundation before deciding to give it a try in the mixed doubles event.
Antonino Gadi reached the round of 16 after beating Laos and Malaysia rivals, while Paolo Sunga and Pawee Natividad made it to the quarterfinals with victories over their respective foes from Singapore.
The Asuncions had an all-Thailand draw, beating each Thai pair to get to the finals where they trailed in the first set but rebounded in the next two to clinch the crown.
Other countries that took part in the annual tournament were Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Russia, Japan, India, Vietnam and host Laos.
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