Badminton top bets roll on

MANILA, Philippines — Ros Leenard Pedrosa pulled through with a solid statement win in the quarterfinals against national juniors team standout Jamal Pandi in the 2023 Philippine Badminton Open yesterday at the Dragonsmash Badminton Center in Makati City.

The top male player in the country needed 35 minutes to take care of the 15-year-old upstart, 21-11, 21-15, to move into the semifinals versus Mark Velasco, a 21-12, 21-10 winner over King Arthur Espiritu.

Lance Vargas and Lanz Zafra set up their own semis duel after victories over UAAP standouts Lyrden Laborte, 21-17, 14-21, 21-14, and Kervin Llanes, 18-21, 21-16, 21-18, respectively.

Mika de Guzman paced the women’s side with quick work of Ysabel Amora, 21-11, 21-9.

Meanwhile, Christel Rei Fuentespina fended off Karyll Rio, 21-19, 13-21, 21-12, to take care of her side of the draw.

In doubles, Alvin Morada and Christian Bernardo dominated surprise quarterfinalists Jeno Carino and Allen Penute, 21-11, 21-15, to reach the last four against Jerick Obaob and Johan Rivas.

Julius Villabrille and Solomon Padiz Jr. won over Jason Vanzuela and Michael Clemente, 21-9, 19-21, 21-14, to also book berth in the semis.