De Guzman dominates to open PBO title defense; Velasco ousted in men's singles

Source: Manila Bulletin

ANTIPOLO CITY -- Mika De Guzman began her title defense in the women's singles at the Philippine Badminton Open 2024 with a commanding 21-8, 21-7 victory over De La Salle University's Mia Manguilimotan on Friday, June 7, at the First Pacific Leadership Academy here.

Despite the lopsided score, the three-time UAAP MVP took 22 minutes to secure her place in the Round of 16. De Guzman expressed satisfaction with her solid start in this Philippine Super 500 tournament, sponsored by Smart, Mizuno, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the MVP Sports Foundation.

"Hindi ko rin po iniisip na defending champion ako, but in my heart and in my mind, sabi ko na I need to give my 100 percent sa game and no regrets. So far, I still got my 100 percent po," said the 2023 APACS Kazakhstan International Series champion.

De Guzman will face a familiar foe in Anthea Gonzalez of the University of the Philippines, who triumphed over Sarah Joy Barredo of National University with scores of 21-23, 21-17, 21-14 in the Round of 16 on Saturday.

"I will just have to give my best every game, kasi kapag binigay ko po 'yun, makikita ko po yung result na gusto kong kalabasan. I know na top players from their schools 'yung makakalaban ko. Kaya kailangan ko talagang ibigay 'yung best ko kasi wala namang kalaban na madali. I'm actually excited to play against everyone po," said the 22-year-old St. Paul College Pasig alumna regarding her journey ahead.

The same success could not be said for the men's side, as Clarence Villaflor of Cadiz-JBA/Apacs upset titleholder Mark Velasco with a stunning 21-17, 21-13 win in the Round of 32 in this competition sponsored by Jollibee, Chowking, and FPLA.

Villaflor, a former National Juniors Badminton champion, will face the winner of the match between Carlo Remo of Ateneo and Zachary Chua of Bianca Carlos Badminton Academy later in the day.

Meanwhile, the men's doubles competition, part of this week-long event supported by Maynilad, MWell, and Cignal, saw a significant win from Smash Pilipinas and National University standouts Julius Villabrille and Solomon Padiz Jr. in the Round of 64.

The 2023 APACS Kazakhstan Future Series champions and reigning event champions defeated UAAP Season 71 MVP Winston Aquilo and Lanz Ramirez of Smart, 21-10, 21-12.

Action in all five events -- men's and women's singles, men's, women's, and mixed doubles -- continues later in the day, with Round of 16 matches scheduled for Saturday at the same Antipolo venue.

Matches air on the Facebook pages of Smart Sports, Puso Pilipinas, and the Philippine Badminton Association.