Anthea Gonzalez and Brys Fuggan opened their respective bids for the Women’s Singles Open title with solid performances on the second day of the 2026 MIA Badminton Challenge Cup on Tuesday at the MIA Sports Center in Pasay City.

Gonzalez, set to play her fifth and final year with the University of the Philippines in the Season 89 Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), needed just 14 minutes to crush Lorraine Araneta of the Cardinal Shuttlers, 15–5, 15–1, and advance to the Round of 16.

“So far, I am okay and I was able to show what we did during training,” said Gonzalez, who was the Most Valuable Player of UAAP Season 87.

Fuggan, meanwhile, made it an even quicker 12-minute clinic against Alexandra Gozon, cruising to a 15–3, 15–1 victory to advance to the next round of this Super 500 tournament.

“I am just using the experience gained last year, especially the ones I played internationally. My goal is always to acquire knowledge,” Fuggan said.

Gonzalez will face Thi Thanh Nhi Huynh, who defeated Chutunit Duremdes, 15–9, 15–13, for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Fuggan, meanwhile, drew De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Frente Go, who advanced via a walkover against Kaitlin Panganiban.

The two led the other Fighting Maroons who advanced to the next round, with incoming captain Sushmita Ramos and Karen Zapanta also moving on.