Bejasa rips Gulpany, reaches Round of 16

National junior team standout Eve Bejasa advanced to the Round of 16 of the girls’ U19 singles after sweeping compatriot Nica Gulpany, 21–11, 21–11, on the second day of the inaugural Philippine Junior International Series presented by the Philippine Sports Commission on Wednesday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City,

Fresh off her strong showing in the Philippine National Badminton Open, the 17-year-old from Cebu City dominated from the opening rally, needing just 21 minutes to secure her place in the next round.

“I thought at first, since I wasn’t feeling well, my game was maybe around 50-50, but I did my best, which is why this was the result,” Bejasa said.

With another match ahead, Bejasa hopes to continue delivering for the Philippines in the tournament, which has attracted young shuttlers from more than 30 countries and is supported by the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee.

“Actually, it makes me proud knowing that we are hosting the tournament now. It’s a huge source of pride for us, which is why as members of the junior national team, we’re doing our best to win,” Bejasa shared.

“For us Filipino junior players, we’re gaining so much experience from competing against other nationalities. Whenever we face them, we really need to elevate our game to the point where we can truly keep up with them,” she added.

Bejasa will shoot for a spot in the quarterfinals against Althia Bedi, who outlasted the Imari Dawn Jimenez in three games, 21–16, 17–21, 21–19.

Also joining Bejasa in the quarterfinal hunt are Christel Fuentespina and Ma. Nicole Notorio, who both registered impressive victories.

Fuentespina, another national junior team standout, overwhelmed compatriot Zoe Driz, 21–5, 21–4, while Notorio defeated Thailand’s Montra Sae Jiew, 21–14, 21–17.

In the girls’ U15 division, Alexzandria Gail Noceja also booked her place in the Round of 16 after a commanding 21–7, 21–11 victory over compatriot Alyzha Marabulas.

Noceja will face India’s Kyra Raina, who defeated the Philippines’ Kathlyn Ocampo, 21–4, 21–11, for a quarterfinal berth.

Jaleesa Condez also advanced to the second round after edging Maldives’ Ahmed Mahloof Laiba in a tightly contested match, 22–20, 22–20.