Over a thousand smashers trooped to ClubSixfifty in Libis, Quezon City, last June 28 and 29 and July 6 for the first Mizuno Badminton Open. The best in Philippine badminton went head-to-head in this much anticipated event with the players as well as spectators glued to their seats to find out who will make it to the semis and the championship rounds.

Organized by the Blue Dragons, the first Mizuno Badminton Open concluded with an overwhelming success and as early as now players are looking forward to the second installment of the said tournament.

Dubbed as “the year’s biggest badminton action,” the tournament’s guest of honor was Morimitsu Andachi, Senior Manager of Asia Oceania Department of Mizuno Corporation.

Topping the list of winners in the open category of men’s doubles are Rudy Widjaya and Kwee Tek Ming with Roden Rivera and Raymond Padilla as runners-up. In the open category of ladies’ doubles, Weena Lim and Irene Chiu bagged the championship with Descka Calimlim and Danica Bolos as their runners-up. Rudy Widjaya and Cheska Bermejo defeated Kwee Tek Ming and Irene Chiu in the open category of mixed doubles.

Winners in the men’s doubles category are the following: (Level A) Rocky Magnaye and Denden Dimarucut (Champion) / Kiko Magnaye and Ariel Magnaye (Runner-up); (Level B) Ruel Inciong and Nelson Lambino (Champion) / Renz Vivas and Wilfredo Amoroso (Runner-up); (Level C) Randy Felipe and Frank Battung (Champion) / Edwin Uy and Lyle Veronas (Runner-up); (Level D) Sherwin Peria and Mark Gregory (Champion) / Joseph Cagitla and Joe Naga (Runner-up); (Level E) Salvador Mora and Robert Reyes (Champion) / Raul De Vera and Ruther Pagunsan (Runner-up); (Level F) Max Narvaez and Jun de Leon (Champion) / Leo Siy and Manny Macauba (Runner-up); (Level G) Albert Acuna and Elias Natividad (Champion) / Jiggs Veloso and Bernard Sanchez (Runner-up).

For the ladies’ doubles category, winners are the following: (Level A) Rose Ann Dela Cruz and Malou Gaspar (Champion) / Raquel Uy and Lyn Diaz (Runner-up); (Level B) Mia Villarin and Abigail Garcia (Champion) / Marife Durana and Beth Pulido (Runner-up); (Level C) Analyn Uy and Angelica Portillo (Champion) / Susan Luminarias and Cecile Gutierrez (Runner-up); (Level D) Whendy Agapay and Kang Garrovillas (Champion) / Glaiza Pelagio and Lanz Alcalde (Runner-up); (Level E) Camille Malig and Rica Pineda (Champion) / Thix Tripulca / Dana Ebron (Runner-up); (Level F) Vangie Alcaraz and Ina Dayan (Champion) / Jing Cruz and Edith Santos (Runner-up); (Level G) Stephanie Chan and Lyn Basilio (Champion) / Ela Masakayan and Dulce Lorilla (Runner-up).

The mixed doubles category winners are the following: (Level A) Dodie Sertan and Namnama Cajefe (Champion) / Kiko Magnaye and Gelli Angeles (Runner-up); (Level B) Christian Tentia and Jenny Cayetano (Champion) / Ronald Garcia and Leny Macalino (Runner-up) / (Level C) Bernie Umpad and Shan Sangalang (Champion) / Mike Matalang and Mila Fong (Runner-up) ; (Level D) Johnny Oliveros and Judith Espanola (Champion) Greg Esquillo and Yolly Abalos (Runner-up); (Level E) Boy Mejica and Iam Aceret (Champion) / Rico Tabios and Tess Austria (Runner-up); (Level F) Joel Delfin and Liza Delfin (Champion) / Robert Lopez and Candy Salud (Runner-up); (Level G) Mar Magada and Baby Magada (Champion).

Judging from the attendance and the quality of players and matches during the 1st Mizuno Badminton Open, there is a clear indication that badminton is still one of the well-loved sports in the country. Hopefully these tournaments can continue to help in promoting camaraderie and sportsmanship among club players and other badminton groups and may it also serve as an exposure to aspiring shuttlers who want to follow the footsteps of their badminton idols.