Gadi, Alcala prime up for PBaRS title defense

MANILA, Philippines - Toby Gadi and Markie Alcala, who swept their respective divisions in last year’s inaugurals of the MVP Sports Foundation-Philippine Badminton Ranking System (PBaRS) circuit, brace for a tough outing when the second season of the event fires off tomorrow at Metro Sports Center in Lahug, Cebu.

Gadi dominated the centerpiece Open men’s singles of the four-leg tour in Manila, Bacolod and Davao last year but is expected to have his hands full this time against a slew of challengers out to end his reign and foil his bid for the top P70,000 purse. They include Paul Vivas, Peter Gabriel Magnaye, Joper Escueta, Patrick Natividad, Charlo Tengco, Kevin Dalisay, Sonny Boy Montilla, Paolo Sunga and Jason Obaob.

Alcala, on the other hand, faces a tough task as he tries to keep his domination of the boys U-15 class of the event sponsored by GOAL Pilipinas and backed by Gatorade, Krav Maga Phils., Sincere Construction and Development Corp., Vineza Industrial Sales, Victor PCome Industrial Sales, TV5 and Badminton Extreme Magazine.

Out to foil Alcala are Patrick Gecosala, Joaquin Deato, Jairon Uy, Emilio Mangubat Jr., Enrico Asuncion, Alexis Geverjuan and Ryan Bautista.

An equally explosive showdown is seen in the ladies Open singles with last year’s leg winners Gelita Castilo and Ma. Bianca Ysabel Carlos tipped to meet anew in the finals. The other contenders for the top P70,000 purse are Bianca Legaspi, Isabel Tan, Jen Cayetano, Pauline Tan, Ellaine Malelang and Kristina Tan.

Also on tap are the boys and girls U19 and U-15 divisions that also feature the singles, doubles and mixed doubles events with ranking points at stake in all classes.

The Philippine Badminton Association, headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, chairman and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan, and sec-gen Rep. Albee Benitez put up the PBaRS circuit last year in an effort to further raise the level of play in the country and come up with a truly national ranking system.

In fact, new Indonesian head coach Rexy Mainaky will also be monitoring the players’ performances for possible spots in the national pool gearing up for various international competitions this year.

Meanwhile, the managers, coaches and players meeting will be held today also at the Metro Sports Center with tomorrow’s matches set to start at 9 a.m.

The second leg will be played Oct. 27-31 in Manila while Cagayan de Oro will host the final stage on Nov. 30-Dec. 4, according to tournament director Nelson Asuncion.