Ponce, Galve nail shuttle triumphs

TRISHA Mae Ponce and Mark Joseph Galve hacked out a pair of tough three-setters to lead the early winners in the PBA Ming Ramos Victor Youth Non-Ranking Championships Thursday at Jump Smash Badminton Court in Quezon City.

Ponce, of Team JB/Lining Academy, came back strong from a grueling second-set encounter and completed a 21-18, 22-24, 21-15 victory over Sitti Nurzh Kiram of Lining in 42 minutes to advance in the girls U-15 singles of the event sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay, chair Manny V. Pangilinan and secretary general Rep. Albee Benitez.

The tournament is part of the PBA’s Bagong Bida Grassroots Program led by Gen. Federico Laciste Jr.

Meanwhile, PBA honorary chair Amelita “Ming” Ramos graced the opener of the event also held to give opportunity to all non-rated young players especially from the PBA member clubs, schools, badminton centers and individuals to showcase their skills and see who are the best players outside the national team.

Team SRBC’s Galve rallied from an opening set setback and turned back Alron Alonzo of ETC, 19-21, 21-17, 21-8, while Albert Sarmiento of JC Badminton likewise scored a come-from-behind 19-21, 21-13, 21-6 win over Alexis Alfonso in the boys’ U-15.

Also carving out three-setters in the four-day tournament were Eldrin Basilio of Team Albo, Carl Grengia of New Era University and John Barandino of Babolat Academy.