Smart, MVP Sports back Prima badminton

MANILA, Philippines - Smart and the MVP Sports Foundation have thrown their support to the seventh Prima Pasta Badminton Championhsip set to fire off March 2 at Powersmash in Makati City.

“This is the start of what we see as a long-term partnership with badminton,” said Christopher Quimpo, senior manager of Smart’s Sports Marketing Division in yesterday’s event launch at the Corporate Building in Makati City.

Organizing chair Alexander Lim said the tournament, sanctioned by the Phl Badminton Association, will implement a rule that will allow aspirants in the Open Division to gain ranking points for the first time.

“For the first time, participants in the Open division will have a chance to gain ranking points so we expect a lot of players to aspire for it,” said Lim.

The meet, set March 1 and 2 and March 8 and 9, will feature competitions in the boys and girls singles for Under-19, U-17, U-15 and U-13, and boys and girls doubles for U-19, U-17 and U-15.

The event, backed by Pacific Boysen Paints Philippines Corp., Morning Star Milling Corp., Mabz Builders, ILO Construction, Monolith Construction, Pioneer Life, Promax International, RSL Badminton Rackets and RFM Corp., will also feature a number of foreign players headed by Indonesian Auggy Sedpianto, a former member of Indonesia’s national youth team.

For details, contact tournament director JC Benipayo (09174494258); Yoly Araullo (09328740454); Joy Martinez (09209074223) and Cha Pagdilao (09267544695).

Forms, leveling schedules, tournament schedules and other information can also be downloaded from www.primapastaopen.com.