Bejasa to Defend Badminton Title in Sun Cellular ‘Battle of Champions’

Carl Bernard Bejasa of the University of San Carlos-Basic Education Department will try to defend his title and score back-to-back titles in the 2nd Sun Cellular National Juniors Badminton Tournament “Battle of Champions” on Sept. 26 and 27 in Cebu.

Bejasa, who also won the gold medal in the Boys 15-Under Singles category in the inaugural tournament last year, was denied the chance to represent the country in international competition, in favor of last year’s third placer Jewel Angelo Albo of Team JB/Babolat of Manila in a tournament in Japan.

Bejasa’s coach Patrick Estoconing stressed that Bejasa defeated Albo on many occasions including their meetings in the Palarong Pambansa, where the Cebuano protege of Coach Eddie Estoconing has earned six gold medals.

The J Center Mall in AS Fortuna St. in Mandaue City, will be the venue of the final day, where organizer Yolly Araullo promised to pit Bejasa and Albo at the Atrium finals.

The first day of action on Sept. 26 will be held at the MetroSports Badminton Center in Lahug in Cebu City.

The contenders are still the same as that of last year with Albo representing Luzon and Arthur Samuel Salvador Jr. representing Mindanao.

Bejasa and his partner Ryan Villarante also try to win the U15 Boys Doubles title which had eluded Bejasa last year.

Unfortunately, it was only Bejasa and Villarante who have qualified to the national finals out of the nearly 20 players who joined the qualifying tournament held in Bacolod City last June.

Most of the qualifiers come from Jaguars Badminton Academy of Cadiz City. (PNA) LAP/EB/MP/SSC