Clarence Villaflor kept the Philippines in contention in the men’s singles competition after turning in a composed straight-sets victory over India’s Harsheel Dani, 21-16, 21-12, on Wednesday in the Philippine International Challenger at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Philippine International Challenge is part of the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) International Challenge series, where players compete for crucial world ranking points and prize money.
Held from July 28 to August 2 at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong, the tournament features a strong international field with participants from over 28 countries, highlighting its status as one of the Philippines’ biggest badminton events.
With several Filipino entries facing a tough field, Villaflor emerged as the country’s lone survivor in the men’s singles draw after needing just 32 minutes to dispatch Dani and secure a place in the Round of 16 of the tournament.
The world No. 122 immediately imposed his pace from the opening exchanges, using his quickness around the court to offset Dani’s height advantage and take command of the first game.
Dani attempted to stay within striking distance in the second game, but Villaflor consistently controlled the longer rallies and denied the Indian any momentum before closing out the match in convincing fashion.
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“Sobrang happy po na nakalagpas ako sa Round of 64 at Round of 32. Happy naman sa performance kasi nagawa ko yung play ko at nabuhos ko naman lahat. Ginawa ko talaga ‘yung best ko, kaya ayun, nanalo,” the world No. 122 said.
Villaflor now shifts his attention to Thailand’s Tanawat Yimjit in the Round of 16, with a quarterfinal berth at stake.
Yimjit advanced after Indonesia’s Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo was forced to retire just minutes into their Round of 32 encounter due to injury.
While Villaflor extended the Philippines’ campaign in men’s singles, the country’s other representatives bowed out of the event as the three-time national champion Jelo Albo fell to ninth-seeded Siddhanth Gupta of India, 21-11, 21-19, as Gupta became one of six Indian players to reach the Round of 16.
The Philippines also exited the women’s singles competition after Mika De Guzman and Christel Fuentespina suffered straight-set defeats against Thai opponents.
Sarunrak Vitidsarn defeated De Guzman, 21-11, 21-17, while top seed Tidaporn Kleebyeesun eliminated Fuentespina, 21-17, 21-13.
In mixed doubles, however, the home team found another bright spot as Christian Bernardo and Lea Inlayo produced a dominant 21-10, 21-9 victory over New Zealand’s Dylan Soedjasa and Justine Villegas to advance to the Round of 16, giving the Philippines two remaining entries still in contention as the tournament progresses.
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