National team shuttlers continue winning ways

The national squad stalwarts maintained their dominance over the rest of the field in the 19-under class while Janel Dihiansan registered the upset of the day by defeating the third-seeded Ma. Victoria Vizmonte during the second day of action in the MVP Sports Foundation-Philippine Badminton Ranking System (PBaRS) circuit at the Metro Sports Center in Lahug, Cebu City yesterday.

The third-seeded Gabriel Magnaye outplayed Jose Yason, 21-8, 21-8, to forge a date with the ninth-seeded Paolo Sunga, who booted out Joma Castro, 21-9, 21-6.

Second-seed Paul Vivas beat Brent Wu, 21-12, 21-13, for a Last 16 duel with No. 12 Jose Carlos Benipayo, who dominated Jeff Garcia, 21-7, 21-5.

Others who breezed through in the premier division were national pool members Kevin Cudiamat, John Kenneth Monterubio, Christopher Flores, Andrei Babad and Joper Escueta.

Cudiamat beat Henry Herida, 21-3, 21-8, Monterubio upended Joseph Patalinghug, 21-9, 21-12, Flores trounced Sherman Olalia, 16-21, 21-12, 21-4, Babad bested Clint Armamento, 21-15, 21-19, and Escueta ousted Jie Plaza, 21-8, 21-10.

Stealing some of the thunder was Dihiansan, who eliminated Vizmonte with a stellar effort to register a 21-16, 21-12 romp.

Dihiansan, who earlier eased out Kyla Lim, 21-8, 21-4, hopes to sustain her form as she faces joint sixth-seed Patrisha Malibiran for a place in the semifinal round of the five-day event.

Meanwhile, the top seed in the men’s open singles, Toby Gadi, wasted no time in announcing his bid for yet another title as he beat Norbert Abutan-mo, 21-1, 21-9, arrange a third round clash with Cudiamat.