Ponce, Galve pull off thrillers in Ming Ramos badminton

MANILA, Philippines - Trisha Mae Ponce and Mark Joseph Galve hacked out a pair of tough three-setters to lead the early winners in the PBA Ming Ramos Victor Youth Non-Ranking Championships which got under way Thursday at Jump Smash Badminton Court at No. 5 Canseco St., San Francisco Del Monte, QC.

Ponce, of Team JB/Lining Academy, came back strong from a grueling second-set encounter and completed a 21-18, 22-24, 21-15 victory over Sitti Nurzh Kiram of Lining in 42 minutes to advance in the girls U-15 singles of the event sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, chair Manny V. Pangilinan and sec-gen Rep. Albee Benitez and held as part of the PBA’s Bagong Bida Grassroots Program led by Police Gen. Federico Laciste Jr.

Meanwhile, PBA honorary chairperson Mrs. Amelita “Ming” Ramos graced the opener of the event also held to give opportunity to all non-rated young players especially from the PBA member clubs, schools, badminton centers and individuals to showcase their skills and see who are the best players outside the national team.

“Never lose hope to achieve your goal to become champions,” said Mrs. Ramos while recognizing the new teams and young players who came from various provinces to join the event, co-presented by Victor, exclusively distributed by PCOME Industrial Sales Inc. and the PBA official equipment sponsor.

Team SRBC’s Galve, on the other hand, rallied from an opening set setback and turned back Alron Alonzo of ETC, 19-21, 21-17, 21-8, while Albert Sarmiento of JC Badminton likewise scored a come-from-behind 19-21, 21-13, 21-6 win over Alexis Alfonso in the boys’ U-15 singles of the tournament aimed at encouraging the active participation and support of the PBA membership, local government units, barangays, schools, the AFP, the PNP and other government and non-government organizations to further promote and develop the sport and eventually produce future national team players.

Also carving out three-setters in the four-day tournament were Eldrin Basilio of Team Albo, Carl Grengia of New Era University and John Barandino of Babolat Academy.

Basilio repulsed Jefward Rioja of Tuguegarao, 21-14, 15-21, 21-17; Grengia thwarted Syuujie Yoshino, 16-21, 21-13, 21-17; and Barandino edged Jeffrey Iquina, 16-21, 24-22, 21-13.

Other events on tap are the centerpiece U-19 singles and doubles for boys and girls, U-17, U-13, U-11 and U-9 and the mixed doubles in the U-19 division.

“Some LGUs have already signified their intention to conduct several activities in their respective constituents under the program and we will be implementing it this January 2013. They are LGUs of Davao Del Norte, Agusan Del Sur, Pasay City and Tuguegarao City,” said Gen. Laciste.

For interested LGUs, Member Clubs, Barangays and Schools who wanted to avail the program, contact Joel Mabborang, PBA events coordinator at 09275332988 or (02)2186582 or email [email protected].