Barredo, Tan target FDG Cup semis vs foreign aces

MANILA, Philippines - Local bets Sarah Joy Barredo and Poi Tan set out as underdogs as they slug it out with top seed Chiang Pei Hsin of Taiwan and No. 2 Asifa Nur Farisma of Indonesia, respectively, in the quarterfinal round of the Open women’s singles of the FDG Cup Open and Invitational badminton tournament at Powersmash Badminton Center in Makati today.

The seventh-ranked Barredo of PBA Smash Pilipinas survived Dia Magno in three then swept Camille Gotohio to arrange a clash with Chiang, who trounced Danica Peligrino and Angela Sevilla in last week’s start of the two-weekend ranking tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association and held in honor of Robinsons Land Corp. president Frederick D. Go. Matches start at 9 a.m.

Meanwhile, Chinese former world No. 1 Wang Xin and Wang Lin arrived in separate flights yesterday in time for tomorrow’s exhibition matches with Philippine Badminton Association sec-gen Rep. Albee Benitez, former national team standout Kennevic Asuncion and Go.

Also on tap tomorrow is the Partners Cup, which features employees and business partners of the RLC.

The joint fifth-ranked Tan of Team Allied thwarted Shane Salvador in three to seal a clash with Farisma, who trampled Kim Jarabelo and Descka Calimlim in the lower half of the draw even as PBA Smash Pilipinas mainstay Alyssa Geverjuan faces fancied Chinese Lili Wang in the other quarters duel.