Chinese shuttlers join Bingo Bonanza Nat’l Open

The country’s top players gear up for a showdown with a crack team from China when the Bingo Bonanza National Badminton Open unwraps on Oct. 11 at Rizal Memorial Badminton Center in Manila and Glorietta 5 Atrium in Makati City.

Mark Alcala and Gelita Castilo completed Allied Victor’s sweep of the singles Open crowns last year but the duo faces formidable challengers this time, assuring a wide-open chase for top honors in the week-long event.

Top players from Guangdong are out to steal the show in the blue-ribbon event sponsored by Bingo Bonanza and staking a total prize of P1.5 million.

“The tournament will showcase the talents of Filipino players and they will have the chance to see how they will fare against foreign rivals,” said Bingo Bonanza vice president for operations and marketing Al Alonteduring yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

Registration is ongoing and will end on Sept. 30 at 5 p.m., according to the organizing EventKing Corp. Entry fee is P800.

For details and online listup, visit wwww.bingob.com/nationalopentournament or email or fax to EKC at [email protected].

“We also want to bring the sport closer to the people that’s why we’re staging the semis and the finals at Glorietta,” added Alonte, who was joined in the podium by national team manager Jackie Cruz and tournament director Nelson Asuncion.