Badminton players get chance to impress Smash head coach come MVP Cup

The country’s top badminton players will figure in their first tournament in two years as the Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) Second Badminton Cup will be held from February 23-25, 2022 at the Olympic Badminton Center in Pasig City.

A total of 34 players are set to compete in men’s doubles, men’s singles, women’s doubles, and women’s singles.

Besides finally getting the chance to play in a tournament, this will also be the first time Smash Pilipinas head coach Rosman Razak can evaluate the players as he plots his pool for the 31st Southeast Asian Games this May.

“Since I came here, this is the first time I can see the players play in a competitive setting,” said the Malaysian, who is a two-time SEA Games silver medalist. “This is the first time they will play in this pandemic. The SEA Games is two months away and we still have time.”

Competing in the men’s division of this tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association are Alvin Morada, Ros Pedrosa, Rabie Oba-ob, James Villarante, Christian Bernardo, Paul Pantig, Mark Anthony Velasco, Jewel Albo, Clarence Villaflor, Lance Vargas, Kenneth Monterubio, July Villabrille, Solomon Padiz, Joshua Morada, Jason Vanzuela, Robert Ishmael Ramos, Jefferson Oba-ob, John Michael Estrada, John Matthew Bernardo, and Michael Clemente.

For the women’s division of this tournament backed by Smart Communications, the MVP Sports Foundation, and Philippine Sports Commission, Thea Pomar, Nicole Albo, Eleanor Inlayo, Jochelle Alvarez, Mikaela De Guzman, Sarah Barredo, Janelle San Andres, Anthea Gonzales, Susmita Angelique Ramos, Althea Fuentespina, Danielle Masongsong, Andrea Hernandez, Christel Fuentespina, and Angel Valle are set to compete.

“I hope the players can show me something good,” said Razak. “This is the first time for me to evaluate the players, not just within our system but also outside of it. This is really a good opportunity for me to see what the Philippine badminton player is all about.”

For the first two days, the games will be held from 6:30 AM-1:30 PM. The finals will be held on the 25th from 4:00 PM onwards.

Games will be streamed live on Smash Pilipinas’ Facebook page.

The first edition of the tournament was held behind closed doors late last year.