Gadi, Carlos safely through to semis

TOURNAMENT favorites Toby Gadi and Bianca Carlos survived the rash of upsets as they barged into the semifinal round of their respective divisions in the Open singles event of the MVP Sports Foundation-Philippine Badminton Ranking System in San Fernando City, Pampanga, yesterday.

The top-seeded Gadi, who escaped with a tough 20-22, 21-13, 21-10 win over Rjay Ormilla to reach the quarterfinals at the Excel Badminton Center late Saturday, imposed his will against No. 12 Kevin Cudiamat, 21-19, 2114, to seal a clash with Justin Natividad, his teammate at the Golden Shuttle Foundation.

Natividad shocked No. 3 Peter Magnaye, 19-21, 27-25, 21-9, in the Last 16 and then repulsed Roslee Pedrosa, 21-18, 19-21, 21-16.

Kenneth Monterubio of the national pool stopped the giant-killing spree of Gerald Sibayan, 17-21, 23-21, 21-15, to set a semifinal duel with No. 4 Patrick Natividad, who nipped Orlan Ticala, 19-21, 21-13, 21-14.

Carlos, also of GSF, blasted Danica Bolos, 219, 21-10 to arrange an interesting match with Nikki Servando, the Escoses Training Camp ace who bested Dia Magno, 21-5, 21-18.

Second seed Gelita Castilo, also of GSF, romped off with a 21-7, 21-12 win over Michal Duquilla to set up a semifinal clash with Jen Cayetano of Far Eastern U, who held off Kristina Tan, 19-21, 21-6, 21-12.

Carlos overwhelmed Annie Jung, 21-1, 214, to advance to the U-19 quarterfinals against Marina Caculitan, who defeated Airish Macalino, 21-9, 21-17.

Second seed Patrishia Malibiran also advanced with a 21-12, 21-7 victory over Dana Enriquez for a quarterfinal duel with Duquilla, who upset No. 7Nina Zamora, 21-15, 21-14.