Shuttlers post strong start

The Philippine badminton team began its redemption drive when it emerged victorious at the start of the badminton competition individual events of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games late Thursday at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex.

Bianca Carlos, the reigning champion of the Smart National Open, took the limelight, completing a rousing win over Nguyen Thuy Linh of Vietnam in the women’s singles Round of 16.

The former University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player found herself dragged into a decider, but eventually took the win at 21-13, 14-21, 21-12.

Ros Pedrosa and Lanz Zafra also moved into the quarterfinals of the men’s singles after pulling off contrasting wins. Pedrosa denied the upset-conscious Aung Myo Myo Htoo of Myanmar in two games, 23-21, 21-19.

Zafra, meanwhile, made an impressive SEA Games debut in a thrilling 21-18, 11-21, 21-18 win over Nguyen Hai Dang of Vietnam.

In the mixed doubles, Alyssa Leonardo and Alvin Morada prevented an early shutout for the Filipinos in this prestigious biennial tournament.

Leonardo and Morada defeated Nguyen Van Viet and Dinh Thi Phuong Hong, 20-22, 21-14, 21-12, to advance into the Last Eight as well.

Nicole Albo and the pair of Ariel Magnaye and Thea Pomar were not as fortunate, losing their Round of 16 matches en route to elimination.