With 179 entries taking part in its Summer Tournament held last April 16 at Metrosports Lahug, SBG has again shattered the club record for number of entries.
From the previous SBG powered tourney’s 84 pairs, the group’s most recent event drew more than double of the previous record as more players played for charity.
The biggest challenge for organizers though, was to keep a steady pace of the matches especially with a whopping 57 double entries and 8 triple entries. SBG pulled through despite holding the final match of the tournament at 2 a.m. the next day.
The level winners and runners-up are:
Men’s Doubles Level D Champion: Carl Bernard Bejasa/Neil John Villarante, Runner-up: EJ Mangubat/Paolo Mangubat; Men’s Doubles Level E Champion: Sebastian Ouano/Joe James Taboada, Runner-up: Gersam Lopez/Gerard Cosicol; Men’s Doubles Level F Champion: Reyjie Basco/Jessie Arancana, Runner-up: Dec Mark Bokingkito/Jomar Bejerano; Men’s Doubles Level G Champion: Nelson Bastismo/Alvin Melecio.
Women’s Doubles Level E Champion: Sheina Nabua/Jessa Diamante, Runner-up: Maria Gloria Atuan/Grace Zafra; Women’s Doubles Level F Champion: Elaine Cuevas/Kerryn Mercado, Runner-up: Heide Delica/Ann Cañedo; Mixed Doubles Level E Champion: EJ Arquillano/Cathy Sy O, Runner-up: Braian Dalce/Jessa Diamante; Mixed Doubles Level F Champion: Lyrden Laborte/Karina Tecson, Runner-up: Vince/Elaine Cuevas; Mixed Doubles Level G Champion: Sidney Gonzales/Mitzi Montalvo.
CONTROVERSY
But the tournament was without its share of controversy after a men’s doubles Level D player was allowed to play in Level G which is a good two rungs lower than the player’s skill level.
CDN is withholding the identity of the player for being a minor but was told by SBG leveling officer Bas Ouano that said player was allowed to compete in the lower level since he was just a substitute.
His reasoning, though, did not sit well with some players who found it grossly unfair for them to be pitted against a player with obviously superior skills.
“Level D gud to siya unya i kontra namu nga Level G? Ka dakug disparity ana,” a disgruntled player said.
The SBG Summer Tournament has Globe Telecom, Lita Quisumbing’s Living Fit Wellness Hub and Studio, Hotel Stella, and Skin Perfection Body Contouring and Spa as major sponsors. Minor Sponsors were Lei Pepito of New Zealand and Mariam Acompañado, and Donors: Marsha Malagar, Nash Olivar Saycon of Canada, Casilda’s Bakeshop, Albert Surplus, Fireball Badminton Group, Bernard Lopez, Hon. Mike Rama, Hon. Edgar Labella, Atty. Alvin Garcia, Jun Alcover and Lolypop Ouano-Dizon. Media Partner: Cebu Daily News.