Men’s doubles champions Kevin Bergantin and Aljun Pinote with their trophies. (CDN PHOTO/RABBONI BORBON)
THE TANDEM of Kevin Bergantin and Aljun Pinote put up a gallant fight and defeated the twice-to-beat pair of Pakhrur Sha and Zairu Nizam of Malaysia to rule the Men’s Doubles Open Level category of the Annual Metrosports Badminton Tournament last Saturday at the Metrosports Center in Lahug.
The Malaysian pair had a twice-to beat edge owing to its top place finish in its group, but the local duo of Bergantin and Pinote negated that advantage with a 21-7, 21-9, rout in their first meeting.
The deciding game lived up to its billing, as Bergantim and Pinote struggled in the first set, 10-21, then dominated the second, 21-14, and finished off their foes with a thrilling 24-22 in the third set to win the title and the P6,000 cash prize of the tournament held in line with Metrosports’ 13th year anniversary celebration.
The Malaysians were relegated to runners up and took home P3,000 and a medal.
In Level D action, the duo of Erwin Dizon and Marvin Alamodin trounced John Michael Quibranza and his partner Scott Busano to win the men’s doubles crown while Kathleen Arevalo and Diana Balungcas emerged champions in the women’s doubles after beating the pair of Mitch Fernandez and Joebelyn Espigol, 21-9, 21-19. Steve Bergantin and Arevalo waylaid Aljo Patalinghug and Marsha Malgar, 21-8, 21-12, to rule the mixed doubles event.
In Level E, the men’s doubles crown went to Rapii Navaluna and Jano Mantalaba while Joel Barriga and Shane Boloron topped the mixed doubles category.
Yessa Villahermosa and Glyden Bahasan ruled the Level F women’s doubles category while the tandem of Dongky Galez and Vary Latonio won the men’s doubles title. The other champion in Level F were Lyrden Laborte and Korina Tecson, who took home the mixed doubles crown.
Level G winners were Tatay Sabin and Richard Yuson (men’s doubles), Lora Lumapgid and Althea Limosnero (women’s doubles), and Kraig Bacho and Jeneleen Talledo (mixed doubles).