Nat’l pool members clash for PBaRS U-19 title

NATIONAL pool members Alvin Morada and Roslee Pedrosa showed their deft skill as they toppled their respective opponents to arrange a title showdown in the under-19 singles division of the MVP Sports Foundation-Philippine Badminton Ranking System (PBaRS) in San Fernando, Pampanga yesterday.

Also, Bianca Carlos and Gelita Castilo renew their fierce rivalry as they are set to battle one another for the women’s Open singles crown after they also got past their semifinal opponents.

Carlos finally found a real challenge after a series of lopsided victories, holding off Nikki Servando, 21-19, 19-21, 21-10, to set up a title clash with Castilo, who overpowered Jen Cayetano, 21-7, 21-10.

The ninth-ranked Morada bounced back from a second set setback to stop Keeyan Gabuelo’s giant-killing spree, 21-12, 15-21, 21-12, while Pedrosa whisked off Bryan Garrido, 21-12, 21-12, in just 25 minutes in one of the early semifinal matches at the Excel Badminton Center.

Meanwhile, Carlos and No. 2 Patrisha Malibiran dominated their respective quarterfinal rivals to remain on title collision course in the girls’ side of the U-19 class.

Carlos trounced Marina Caculitan, 21-8, 21-8, for a semis face-off with third seed Ma. Victoria Vizmonte, who held off Alyssa Geverjuan, 21-18, 11-21, 21-18, while Malibiran thwarted Michal Duquilla, 21-19, 21-15, to seal a Final Four clash with No. 6 Samantha Ramos, who upset No. 4 Janelle de Vera, 14, 21, 21-14, 21-9. /CORRESPONDENT jONAS pANERIO