Ontal posts twinkill in Pickle Fest

CEBU CITY — Clint Ontal and Jeanette Eduave showcased steady baseline control and precise soft-game execution to beat Patrick Laput and Abe Tomomi, 15-9, and lead the High Intermediate division winners in the Kosmas Pickle Fest 2026 Adult Categories at the Net and Paddle courts here Friday.

Ontal and Eduave established control early behind consistent third-shot drops and patient dinking exchanges, repeatedly winning the battle at the non-volley zone. Their composure at the kitchen line limited Laput and Tomomi’s attacking opportunities as they maintained their rhythm to secure the gold medal in the mixed doubles 20+ class.

Fernan Abangan and Grace Abangan claimed the bronze medal.

Ontal later added another title after teaming up with Peter Escober to edge Quincy Bermudez and Vernini Tangarorang in a tightly contested 15-13 victory in the men’s doubles 35+ final, earning his second gold medal of the tournament.

The five-day event, organized by Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corp. in partnership with Sunrise Events Inc., featured competitions in the Novice, Low Intermediate, High Intermediate and Open divisions, serving as a buildup to the centerpiece Rising Stars U19 Sectional Tournament, which highlights the event’s focus on developing the next generation of Filipino pickleball players.

Backed by PCL Asia and supported by Milo, Summit, and Pocari Sweat, the Rising Stars U19 competition, set Saturday and Sunday, allows promising junior players to compete for spots in the PCL Asia Grand Finals scheduled this April on Hainan Island, China.

Winners from the sectional qualifiers will earn the opportunity to represent the Philippines and face the region’s top junior players in the prestigious continental showdown.

Also topping the High Intermediate podium were Charlon Mamacos and Mike Almaden, Harry Radaza and Galvin Collantes, Jhonavie Alloso and Mucoa Despabeladero, and Marc Tagle and Sherry Cu.

Mamacos and Almaden defeated Ludovic Reyes and Angelo Saguran, 15-7, to capture the men’s doubles 20+ title, while Miguel Buagas and Erwin Aba settled for bronze.

Radaza and Collantes likewise dominated Ferdinand Ludo and Edgar Abellana, 15-8, to secure the men’s doubles 50+ gold medal, with Rowen Otadoy and Edzel Lopez finishing third.

Alloso and Despabeladero pulled off one of the day’s most thrilling matches, edging Tomomi and Arlene Yu, 11-10, in the women’s doubles 20+ final.

Tagle and Cu also delivered a solid performance to defeat Christian Andres and Ariella Arida, 11-8.

Arida, who had already captured two gold medals in the Low Intermediate division earlier in the tournament, added another title in High Intermediate after she and Cu scored a walkover victory in the women’s doubles 35+ division.

In the Open category, Ernest Sansona and Ernest Lanzado displayed dominant form as they overwhelmed Aaron Castea and Ryle Nool, 15-4, to claim the men’s doubles 20+ championship. Vince Corpin and Kyle Enrique finished third.

Allen Antigua and Jerson Narido also impressed, overpowering Tom Vana and Christian Andres, 11-2, to win the men’s doubles 35+ gold medal, while Sheina Martinez and Selena Monique captured the women’s doubles 20+ title by default.