Barredo, Alcala go for Bingo repeat

Sarah Joy Barredo and Mark Alcala seek to get better against a field that has become tougher as they try to make it back-to-back in the Bingo Bonanza National Open Badminton Tournament unfolding Oct. 17 at the CW Home Depot Ortigas and SM Megamall.

Barredo needed three sets to turn back national teammate Nicole Albo, 15-21, 21-16, 21-6, to claim the women’s singles Open crown last year but the PBA-Smash Pilipinas standout expects an uphill battle not only against her fellow national players but also from the collegiate standouts from the Big City and nearby provinces.

Alcala likewise primes up for a highly competitive campaign this year with all the others out to stop his domination of the event marked by a 21- 14, 2117 conquest of top seed Kevin Cudiamat in the last edition of the annual P1.5 million championship sponsored by Bingo Bonanza Corp. and sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay and sec- gen Rep. Albee Benitez.

Tournament director Nelson Asuncion is actually expecting a number of foreign players to join the tournament although they can’t gain ranking points, this being the country’s premier championship which features the best of the best and future stars.

Meanwhile, the draw and seeding will be held today (Tuesday) at the LWRC 26F West Tower, Philippine Stock Exchange Center in Ortigas. The schedule of matches will be posted on Oct. 14 while the coaches, team managers and players’ meeting will be held on Oct. 16, also at LWRC.