PBA eyes more int’l badminton tourneys after Swiss success

MANILA, Philippines - After the impressive feat of Peter Gabriel Magnaye and Paul Jefferson Vivas last week in the Swiss International doubles open title, the leadership of Philippine Badminton Association (PBA) believes the country’s Olympic dream could become a reality soon.

The PBA is eyeing more stints for the national team in Badminton World Federation (BWF) sanctioned tournaments starting late this year or early next year that will help then accumulate more points to increase their chances of grabbing a slot in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics.

“There’s life in badminton. It only means that we can excel internationally in this sports,” said PBA secretary-general Alfredo “Albee” Benitez. “That title (gold medal in the Swiss International doubles) will inspire us in the PBA to work harder and support badminton development.”

Under the leadership of chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, Benitez and president Jejomar Binay, also the country’s Vice-President, the PBA had sent already the Philippine team to different tournaments in Europe, Australia and Asia.

Benitez, also the congressman of Negros Occidental, praised Magnaye and Vivas for not giving up from the elimination round up to the championship round to take home the men’s open doubles crown.

“I’m happy that Magnaye and Vivas along with their fellow players there didn’t give up. The PBA is happy with their attitude and that’s what we needed to win. They will be rewarded for their outstanding effort,” said Benitez.

Magnaye and Vivas beat French No. 1 Baptiste Careme and Ronan Labar, 6-11, 11-9, 10-11, 11-6, 11-10, and pocketed the men’s doubles event open title of the  Swiss International Badminton Championship 2014 at the Centre Sportif Arena in Yverdon-Les-Bains in Switzerland.

Magnaye and Vivas of PBA-Smash Pilipinas badminton national team were coached by Indonesian Paulus Firman, who is currently national head coach.

“This is also a big step to our Olympic bid in 2020 and now it’s within reach. We thank coach Paulus for not giving up to train our players,” said Benitez, who will hold next month the Bingo Bonanza Badminton Open at the  Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Joper Escueta and Ronel Estanislao (men’s doubles), Jessie Francisco and Eleanor Christine Inlayo (women’s doubles) and Antonino Toby Gadi (men’s singles) were the other Filipino players who competed in the Swiss Open.

Escueta and Estanislao reached the quarterfinal round in the Swiss Open. They reached the men’s doubles semifinals stage of Yonex Dutch Open Badminton last Oct. 12.