After two-year hiatus, Thirsty Cup badminton returns

THE MUCH awaited 7th Thirsty Badminton Cup returns after a two-year break tomorrow at the Metrosports Center.

According to organizers, around 100 smashers including some of the more noted former varsity players in the city will be joining the tournament along with players from clubs from neighboring regions.

Organizer Mitch Fernandez said the tournament took a break to give way to other local tournaments held here.

“Because of many tournaments being held for the past two years, we decided to lie low a bit,” said Fernandez during yesterday’s launching held at the Mooon Cafe at the Cebu IT Park. “This time we managed to have our own schedule and decided to push through. Hopefully, we will make this an annual tournament.”

This year’s tournament will offer C, D, E and F classes for men and women. Players will be divided into two divisions, the smoothes and the shakers, which will be for 40-above smashers. The tournament follows a single elimination format.

Fernandez said they are planing to add classes A and B in next year’s tournament.

“We put up this tournament because we want to promote a healthy lifestyle. That’s why we also hold tournaments in football and tennis yearly in Cebu,” said Thirsty President Bunny Pages, who was aslo present yesterday with his son Randy, the marketing head of Pages Holdings.

Fernandez said former varsity players Jed Sumalinog, Christian Santino and other former varsities from the University of San Jose Recoletos and the University of Visayas will be joining the tournament. /CORRESPONDENT DALE G. ROSAL