Dexter Opalla and partner Aljun Penute of Cebu and their runners-up pose with the organizers of the 3rd Badminton City National Tournament in Ormoc City, Leyte.
from dexter opalla’s fb page
CEBUANO badminton players made their presence felt anew by bagging the top trophies in the recent 3rd Badminton City National Tournament held in Badminton City Sports Complex in Ormoc City, Leyte.
In the centerpiece Men’s Doubles Open final, Dexter Opalla and Aljun Penute literally walked away with the championship medal after a first set, 21-13, victory when their adversary, Nil Nim of DLSU-Dasma and his partner, opted to forgo the second set, consequently giving up their shot for the crown.
A nagging back pain and fatigue resulting from playing two entries on the same day prompted Nim to settle for the runner-up slot.
In the Men’s Doubles Level D, Opalla scored another win, albeit a runner-up finish with partner, Jay-r Batulan after going against fellow Cebuanos, Joseph Albert Patalinghug and Harvey Tungul of SWU-Phinma.
Joel Tiu and Neil John Villarante also chipped in for Cebu’s pot after defeating their rivals from Ormoc, Marvin Alamodin and Mark Ecomio in the Men’s Doubles Level E. Alamodin, however, claimed a win for the homecourt alongside Jerry Radaza in the Men’s Level F beating Wendyl Canaya and Harold Sampayan.
On the distaff side, Eloisa Rose Esperanza and Melanne Sacro emerged victors over Christine Joy Maog and Gwendolyn Faye Tubo for the Level E crown while Liezel Fiel and Ma. Lourdes Bulahan outplayed Shanina Labay and Katrina Colantes in the Level F finals.
The Supermix Category was a 1-2 finish for the Cebuanos as Joseph Albert Patalinghug and USJ-R Lady Jaguar Kim Soon defeated USC Warriors Scott Busano and Dimple Quibranza.
In the Age Group Singles, SWU-Phinma’s Carl Bernard Bejasa claimed top spot for the 16 years old-and-under Boys category. Baybay Badminton Team (Team Falcons) came in second courtesy of Martin Valenzona. Fellow Falcon, Eloisa Rose Esperanza took the top prize for the 16 years old-and-under Girls category with Rosenne Martina Sia claiming runner-up honors.
The 12 years old-and-under Boys championship medal went to Jerdon Radaza with Baybay’s Zeus Sarbac settling for second place while Joshane Balo snatched the girls title after beating Team Falcon’s Arnia Modesto.