National mainstays show way in MVP-PBaRS

MANILA, Philippines - National team mainstays imposed their will in the men’s Open and boys’ Under-19 even as Janel Dihiansan shocked third seed Ma. Victoria Vizmonte in the girls’ U-19 in the MVP Sports Foundation-Philippine Badminton Ranking System (PBaRS) circuit at the Metro Sports Center in Lahug, Cebu City yesterday.

No. 3 Peter Gabriel Magnaye of Phl-Victor swept past Jose Yason, 21-8, 21-8, to set up a third round showdown with ninth-ranked Paolo Sunga of Golden Shuttle Foundation, who booted out Joma Castro, 21-9, 21-6, while second seed Paul Vivas beat Brent Wu, 21-12, 21-13, for a Last 16 duel with No. 12 Jose Carlos Benipayo, who dominated Jeff Garcia, 21-7, 21-5.

Others who breezed through in the premier division of the event, sponsored by GOAL Pilipinas, were national pool members Kevin Cudiamat, John Kenneth Monterubio, Christopher Flores, Andrei Babad and Joper Escueta.

Cudiamat outplayed Henry Herida, 21-3, 21-8; Monterubio defeated Joseph Patalinghug, 21-9, 21-12; Flores repulsed Sherman Olalia, 16-21, 21-12, 21-4; Babad held off Clint Armamento, 21-15, 21-19; and Escueta saw off Jie Plaza, 21-8, 21-10.

Sharing the spotlight in the event, serving as the first leg of a three-stage nationwide circuit organized by the Philippine Badminton Association, headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, chair Manny V. Pangilinan and sec-gen Rep. Albee Benitez, was Dihiansan, who surprised Vizmonte with a superb all-around game to fashion out a 21-16, 21-12 romp.

Dihiansan, who earlier eased out Kyla Lim, 21-8, 21-4, hopes to sustain her form as she faces joint sixth seed Patrisha Malibiran for a place in the semifinal round of the five-day event backed by Gatorade, Krav Maga Phils., Sincere Construction and Development Corp., Vineza Industrial Sales, Victor PCome Industrial Sales, TV5 and Badminton Extreme Magazine.

For details and results, log on to www.pbars.com, according to tournament director Nelson Asuncion.