Prima badminton young players aim for titles

MANILA, Philippines - Prima young national players headed by Joper Escueta and Kevin Cudiamat aim for more successful stints in various badminton competitions locally and abroad to achieve their dreams of becoming the sport’s national arsenals.

After winning the 2011 MVP Sports Foundation’s Bingo Bonanza third leg PBaRS Davao recently, the 17-year-old Escueta and Cudiamat are looking to win more tournaments particularly the coming PBaRS fourth leg soon.

“It’s absolutely a huge win together with my partner Kevin (Cudiamat),” said Escueta, referring to their 21-14, 21-15 win against John Paolo Baluyot and Petronilo Nim to claim the boys’ 19-under doubles event of PBaRS Davao.

“We are hoping to sustain this win in every tournament we participate,” said Prima’s Cudiamat, who also earned his second title after teaming up with Janelle Gloriane De Vera to beat Justin Wilbert Natividad and Bianca Carlos to bag the U-19 mixed doubles crown.

Escueta also ruled the boys’ singles 19-Under PBaRS first and second leg events, while Gabby Villanueva and Aries Delos Santos copped the men’s doubles champion of PBAR’S 1st leg. 

Team Prima benefactor Alex Lim guaranteed all his Prima athletes especially his badminton players of an all-out support since he is confident the young talented players would be developed when the time comes.  

 “Six Prima badminton players are members of the national team and they are very talented,” said Lim, who also supported other teams like bowling and cycling. “I want to help my other players develop their talents and win for the Philippines.”

 Besides the PBaRS event, Team Prima’s Christopher Flores, who is also national player, brought honors by winning the men’s singles event during the recently concluded Philippine National Games.

Other national players who are Team Prima members are Ariel Magnaye, Gabby Villanueva and Aries Delos Santos.