Julius Villabrille and Solomon Padiz’s magical run came to an end after falling to Malaysia’s Choong Hon Jian and Wong Vin Sea, 7–21, 19–21, in the men’s doubles semifinals of the Philippine International Challenge 2026 on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

The Malaysians carried the momentum from their quarterfinal victory, racing to an early lead in the opening game before cruising to a dominant win.

Villabrille and Padiz, however, refused to go down without a fight in the second game. Trailing 15–20, the Filipino pair saved five match points to keep their hopes alive before Wong finally sealed the contest with a drive smash after more than 28 minutes, sending the Malaysians to the championship match of the tournament.

With the BWF World Championships just around the corner, the two National University products will continue sharpening their game through several tournaments, including an opportunity for redemption at the PETRONAS Malaysia International Challenge later this month on Choong and Wong’s home soil.

Choong and Wong will face Indonesia’s Taufik Aderya and Alexius Ongkytama Subagio in the final after the Indonesians defeated Malaysia’s Muhammad Faiq and Lok Hong Quan, 21–17, 21–10, in the other semifinal.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio reaffirmed the agency’s continued support for the tournament, saying, “The Philippine International Challenge is a premier badminton spectacle that unites grassroots development with international exposure. It is a launchpad for Filipino shuttlers to rise, inspire communities and strengthen the foundation of Philippine sports.”

Gregorio also emphasized the importance of staging world-class international tournaments in the country.

“Our mission is clear: to give Filipino athletes the stage they deserve and to show the world that the Philippines is ready to host competitions of the highest caliber. Every rally played here is a step toward that vision,” Gregorio shared.

“With over 28 countries represented, this tournament positions the Philippines as a true hub for world-class competition. This is sports tourism at its finest, with athletes, fans, and federations discovering our nation through the power of sports,” he added.

In the men’s singles, India’s Ginpaul Sonna pulled off the biggest upset of the draw, defeating compatriot and fourth seed Alap Mishra, 21–18, 21–17, to move within one win of capturing his second international title after winning last year’s Telangana International Challenge.

Sonna will face fellow Indian Aryamann Tandon, who edged compatriot Pranay Katta, 22–20, 24–22.

The women’s singles final will be an all-Thai affair, with top seed Tidapron Kleebyeesun taking on Saranuk Vitidsarn.