By Edwin Rollon
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY -- Junior standouts Regina Zoey Denise Bayudang and Khrystn Antoinette Valdez dominated compatriots Maria Francesca Denise Almazan and Harlen Claire Herbabuena in straight set in an all-Filipino championship match to clinch the gold medal in badminton women’s double in the 11th BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines-East Asian Growth Areas) on Tuesday at the Edward Hagedorn Coliseum here.
Playing consistently on both ends of the courts, the Holy Trinity College in General Santos City pride pulled off a stunning 21-14, 21-12 mastery against their rivals in the tournament organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and hosted by the city government of Puerto Princesa.
“Actually, sa second set medyo slow yung play naming buti na lang ba-called agad ni coach yung arrention naming at agad kaming nag-adjust, after noon diretso na nakuha na naming yung rhythm ng laro,” said the 16-year-old Valdez.
For her part, Bayudang, the daughter of a former badminton national player stressed that familiarity with each other plays a big difference.
“Matagal na ring kaming partner, kaya kabisado na naming ang kilos at galaw sa court. Yun ang advantage naming,” said Bayudang.
The duo is currently ranked No.3 in juniors double in the national ranking.
Bayudang and Valdez arranged a titular duel with Almazan and Herbabuena after beating Brunei’s duo of Nurul Mohammad Suhud and Rachel Pong Xue Ting, 21-10, 21-8 in the semifinals. Likewise, the latter moved to the finals via an easy 21-9, 21-5 victory over Philippine Team-B Hanna Montomingcal and Shaina Penaroyo.
