Gadi vs Vivas for Open crown

MANILA—Antonino Gadi and Paul Vivas pulled off contrasting wins and arranged a second straight duel for the men’s Open singles crown in the MVP Sports Foundation-Bingo Bonanza Philippine Badminton Ranking System (PBaRS) tournament in Davao Tuesday.

Gelita Castilo and Bianca Carlos also sealed their expected clash for the women’s Open singles title while reversals rocked the girls’ Under-15 semifinals.

The top seeded Gadi subdued No. 4 Peter Magnaye, 21-19, 21-7. Second-ranked Vivas had an easier time, cruising to the finals with a walkover win over Joper Escueta.

Cramps also forced Escueta to retire in the third set of his U-19 quarterfinals match against Rabie Jason Oba-ob on Monday.

Gadi held off Vivas, 21-17, 16-21, 21-12, in the Bacolod leg finals of the nationwide circuit organized by Vice President and Philippine Badminton Association head Jejomar Binay, Rep. Albee Benitez and businessman Manny V. Pangilinan.

Castilo, eyeing a first title after two runner-up finishes, dominated Bianca Legaspi, 21-10, 21-10, while Carlos stopped Fatima Cruz, 21-6, 21-15.

Last March, Carlos beat Castilo for the Manila leg crown of the event backed by Victor, PLDT-Smart, Victor PCOME Industrial Sales, Gatorade and Powersmash.

Upsets marred the U-15 girls semis with Joella de Vera upending top seed Isabel Leonardo, 21-17, 21-15. Amabel Sumabat surprised second seed Louise Ramos, 21-17, 20-22, 21-17, to also gain a crack at the crown.

Joella’s sister, Janelle, also repulsed No. 3 Gabrielle Ongcuanco, 21-13, 21-17, to reach the finals of the girls’ U-19 against defending back-to-back champion Carlos, who downed Dia Magno, 21-12, 21-13.