THIRTEEN-year old Mark Alcala claimed another double-victory to further cement his reputation as the country’s next badminton star as he downed third seed Jose Kenneth Monterubio, 21-18, 21-19, late Wednesday to claim the boys Under-19 title in the P1 million MVP Sports Foundation-Philippine Badminton Ranking System (PBaRS) circuit at Metro Sports Center in Lahug.
Alcala put on a solid display of all-around brilliance as he clipped his fellow national team teammate in 47 minutes to win the under-19 crown and add to the under-15 title, his fifth straight one, after sweeping last year’s inaugural staging.
The younger brother of the country’s leading player Malvinne Ann Alcala earlier disposed of No. 2 Patrick Gecosala, 21-12, 21-11, for the U-15 plum to match Bianca Carlos’ two-title romp in the event serving as the kickoff leg of a three-stage circuit.
The second leg will be played Oct. 27-31 in Manila while Cagayan de Oro will host the final stage on Nov. 30-Dec. 4, according to tournament director Nelson Asuncion. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio