Eyes on De Guzman in Philippine Badminton Open

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines — Mika de Guzman began her title defense in the women’s singles at the Philippine Badminton Open 2024 with a commanding 21-8, 21-7 victory over De La Salle University’s Mia Manguilimotan last Friday at the First Pacific Leadership Academy here.

The three-time UAAP MVP needed only 22 minutes to secure her place in the Round of 16. De Guzman expressed satisfaction with her solid start in this Philippine Super 500 tournament, sponsored by Smart, Mizuno, the Philippine Sports Commission and the MVP Sports Foundation.

“Hindi ko rin po iniisip na defending champion ako, but in my heart and in my mind, sabi ko na I need to give my 100 percent sa game and no regrets. So far, I still got my 100 percent po,” said the 2023 APACS Kazakhstan International Series champion.

De Guzman will face a familiar foe in Anthea Gonzalez of the University of the Philippines, who triumphed over Sarah Joy Barredo of National University with scores of 21-23, 21-17, 21-14 in the Round of 16.

In the men’s side, Clarence Villaflor of Cadiz-JBA/Apacs upset titleholder Mark Velasco, 21-17, 21-13, in the Round of 32 of this competition sponsored by Jollibee, Chowking and FPLA.