At the 2009 Arafura Games currently underway in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, Philippine players stormed their way into two finals, guaranteeing the Philipine team of at least 2 silver medals in the badminton competition and hopeful of a two gold medal haul plus a bronze medal.

Ian Mendez defeated top-seed Kin Fai Leong of Macau, China 18-21, 21-16 and 21-13 in the quarterfinals in the morning session. Mendez then followed that quarterfinal win with a 21-19 and 21-15 victory over teammate and playing coach Arolas Amahit Jr. in the evening semifinal.

Amahit had earned his place in the semifinal earlier in the morning with a 21-8 and 21-13 pasting of Jacob Modoh. The quarterfinal victory over Modoh earned Amahit a bronze medal for his efforts.

Mendez will face second-seeded Io Chong Chan of Macau, China in the men’s singles gold medal match tomorrow at noon.

In the men’s doubles, Amahit and Mendez overwhelmed Ion Weng Lo of Macau, China and Saidina Pawero of Australia, 21-2 and 21-11, in the one of the semifinals this evening to book their place in the men’s doubles gold medal match tomorrow morning. Earlier in the day, Amahit and Mendez had taken out the top-seeded pair of  Io Chong Chan and Kin Fai Leong 16-21, 21-10 and 21 12 in a quarterfinal contest.

Facing Mendez and Amahit for top honors in men’s doubles are Fabien Kadour and Marc-Antoine Desaymoz from badminton upstart New Caledonia.