MANILA, Philippines—Slots in the national training pool await the winners of the Valencia Sports Center-Yonex Sunrise badminton regional championships which will be held Friday until Sunday.

National head coach Errol Chan Thursday said close to 500 participants are seeing action in the event which is considered the national age-group championships as it will feature champions from the previous legs of the regionals.

“We are continuously looking for new talents and this is the best way to do that because in this tournament, we will see those who have excelled in their respective provinces,” said Chan.

The event, which coincides with Valencia’s anniversary, will have competition for 18-years and below as well as open divisions where RP shuttlers like Wilson Frias, Therine Chan, Paula Chan and Alfredo Mailon will see action.

“This year’s anniversary tournament will feature the age group category which serves as the foundation of the mission and vision of the Yonex-Sunrise Regional Championships,” added Chan.

The regionals kicked off this year at Valencia. Marc Anthony Reyes