Alcala and Castilo: The “next big thing”?

Alcala and Castilo:  The “next big thing”?

- Dan Rupinta

Nov 29, 2008  -  Allied Badminton’s gems Malvinne Anne Venice Alcala and Gelita Castilo exhibited near-flawless performances in their respective semi-final assignments of the 2008 Yonex-Sunrise Phils Nat’l Open Badminton Championships, which brought the spectators at the YPBC, Shaw Blvd in complete awe of the immense talents of these two youngsters.

 

Partnering with Ronel Estanislao, Alcala started her successful semi-final campaign by shocking the 2007 XD champions and top seed, Arolas Amahit and Noelle Casandra Ang-Siy, 21-15, 21-12.    Estanislao and Alcala will now try to continue their successful run as they battle it out with Kennevic and Kennie Asuncion in the Finals.     Malvinne Alcala was also in her sharp form as she crushed  Rose Anne Dela Cruz of UST, 21-16, 21-15  in the Ladies Open Singles Semifinal match in 20 minutes.     And in her 3^rd match of the day, Alcala, partnering with good friend Gelita Castilo, ended the amazing run of Cheska Bermejo and Chona Rivera, 15-21, 21-14, 21-14 to book her 3^rd Final of the tournament.

 

Arguably the biggest story of the day was the surprise win of Gelita Castillo over Karyn Velez of the Golden Shuttle Foundation in the semifinal Ladies Singles match-up between two talented teenagers.   The 1^st set was very tight and the rallies were fierce and long, but in the end, Castilo prevailed, 26-24.    In the 2^nd set, the crucial turning point came at 7-6 wherein Castilo seem to have a shifted to a new gear with a more intense attacking game.    With 4 consecutive points, Castilo widened the lead at 15-10.   The 2^nd set and the match ended when Velez’ smash sailed long.      It was a very emotional win for Castilo who has beaten Velez only for the 1^st time this year.   “Gelita played with a big heart.   She trained hard for this and she deserves the win”, founder and head coach of Allied Badminton Conrado Co remarked.   

 

For a country which is lagging behind its Asian neighbors in badminton supremacy, the entry of 13-yr old Malvinne Anne Venice Alcala and 14-yr old Gelita Castilo into the circle of elite badminton players is indeed a big boost to the sport in the country.    Many badminton aficionados believe that they will be the “next big thing” and the future of Philippine Badminton.    

 

Other winners in the Open Category were Antonino Gadi of the Golden Shuttle Foundation who defeated Kelvin Tim Ang of DLSU, 21-7, 21-17 and Ian Gil Piencenaves who routed Jobett Co, 21-10, 21-18.    Gadi and Piencenaves have now set up a Men’s Singles Open Finals encounter, one of the most anticipated Finals of the tournament.     

 

In the Men’s Doubles category, Piencenaves(with partner Marlon Villarin) will now aim to win his 4^th Open Mens Doubles crown after defeating the tourney top seed, Joffre Arollado and Marvin Cliff Yan, 21-17, 21-14.   Piencenaves and Villarin will meet Arolas Amahit and Mark Natividad in the Finals.

 

Catch the Finals action tomorrow in all categories, Nov 30, 2008 starting at 9am.

 

The 2008 Yonex-Sunrise Philippines National Open Badminton Championships is presented by YONEX-SUNRISE and co-presented by PHITEN.  This event is also brought to us by:  Badminton Hub, Sportshub, My Shaldan, Makati Shangri-la, BSI Medicated Spray, Fish Designs, Potraitme.net, Tacorific, Potato Corner and our official & exclusive print partner, The Philippine Star.    The tournament runs from Nov 22-30, 2008