MANILA, Philippines - Fancied Toby Gadi and Bianca Carlos survived the rash of upsets that befell the other seeded bets as they barged into the semifinal round of their respective divisions in the premier Open singles event in the MVP Sports Foundation-Philippine Badminton Ranking System (PBaRS) in San Fernando, Pampanga yesterday.
Gadi, who escaped with a tough 20-22, 21-13, 21-10 win over Rjay Ormilla to reach the quarters at the Excel Badminton Center late Saturday, imposed his will against No. 12 Kevin Cudiamat, 21-19, 21-14, as the top seeded Golden Shuttle Foundation bet sealed a Final Four showdown with Justin Natividad, also of GSF.
Natividad, who shocked third seed Peter Magnaye, 19-21, 27-25, 21-9, in the Last 16, repulsed Roslee Pedrosa, 21-18, 19-21, 21-16, in the quarters.
Kenneth Monterubio of the national pool stopped the giant-killing spree of Gerald Sibayan, 17-21, 23-21, 21-15, to set a semis duel with No. 4 Patrick Natividad, who bundled out Orlan Ticala in another three-setter that marked the matches in the men’s side, 19-21, 21-13, 21-14.
Carlos, also of GSF, overpowered Danica Bolos, 21-9, 21-10 to arrange a keenly-awaited match with the comebacking Nikki Servando of Escoses Training Camp who defused Dia Magno, 21-5, 21-18, in the seventh leg of the annual circuit sponsored by MVP Sports Foundation.
Second seed Gelita Castilo, also of GSF, also romped off with a 21-7, 21-12 win over Michal Duquilla for a semis clash with Jen Cayetano of FEU, who held off Kristina Tan, 19-21, 21-6, 21-12, in the tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay with sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan as chairman and Rep. Albee Benitez as sec-gen.