Alcalas log badminton triumphs

Siblings Malvinne Ann Venice and Mark Alcala plucked gold medals in their respective divisions in the recent Swiss International Junior Badminton Championships.

The 16-year-old Malvinne defeated England’s Nathalie Chan-Lam, 21-7, 21-17, in the semifinals before beating Belgium’s Marie Demy, 21-5 (retired) to take the crown.

Her 13-year-old brother scored a stunning upset over 17-year-old, 6-foot-3 Sean Vendy of England, 3-21, 21-8, 21-12.

Philippine Badminton Association secretary general Rep. Albee Benitez lauded the siblings’ feat which he described as a “major step toward the right direction” for PH badminton.

“We are very, very happy because our hard work is starting to pay off, the results are coming in and this proves we are doing the right thing,” said Benitez, who last May hired Olympic champion Rexy Mainaky of Indonesia to head the country’s badminton program.

Already Benitez reported that the men’s team of Ariel Magnaye and Joper Escueta bolted to 108th in the world rankings after languishing in the high 200s two months before.

The PH shutters are sponsored by Bingo Bonanza and Smart Communications. Also providing support to  the team is Victor.