MANILA, Philippines -- The country's best and brightest shuttlers strut it out for ranking points as they compete in the Smart-Prima Pasta Badminton Championships slated Feb.1 and March 1, 6, 7 and 8 at the Power Smash in Chino Roces Ave., Makati.
Gelita Castilo, who has won four women's singles titles in the annual tournament's eight-year history, lead the star-studded cast that included Ariel Magnaye, Paul Vivas, Sarah Joy Barredo and Poca Alcala among others.
Castilo is also coming off a first place finish in the Bingo Bonanza Open by beating the youthful Barredo in the finals that went the full, three-set route.
"As part of Smart's vision of helping badminton, we've teamed up with Prima Pasta for the second straight year because we want to help the country in grassroots development," said Christopher Quimpo, Smart's senior manager and sports marketing and special projects, in yesterday's event launch at the Melmac Center in Quezon City.
Quimpo said the yearly event serves as the culmination of Smart and Sun Cellular's year-long program where they go to the provinces to hold regional tournaments and conduct clinics.
Organizing Prima Pasta president Alex Lim said they expect about 1,500 participants in various categories to participate in the five-day meet headlined by the singles and doubles of the Open Division.
And to meet up with the demand of younger participants, Lim said they've introduced the under-11 section for the first time.
"There were clamors to add a division for nine to 11 years old and we did that this year because we know our badminton players are getting younger and younger," said Lim, also a staunch supporter of bowling and mountain biking.
Aside from the Open section, the tournament, which is open to Filipinos and foreigners alike, has 39 other levels like Levels A to G for the men's and mixed doubles, and Levels B to F for the women's doubles.
Aspirants in the Open division will earn points in this competition, which will help determine their position in the national ranking.
Smart's support for the annual event is part of its commitment to promote sports in the Philippines especially to the youth and grassroots levels with Smart chairman Manny V. Pangilinan being a badminton player himself.