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MANILA, Philippines - Only four of 26 Filipino shuttlers made it to the next round as the locals suffered heavy losses Wednesday at the start of the Bingo Bonanza Philippine Grand Prix Gold at the PhilSports in Pasig.
Rodel Bartolome overcame an opponent from Wales and Mark Alvin Natividad edged a fellow Filipino while two others walked over to the round of 32 in men?s singles in a frustrating Day 1 for the host country.
?We really prepared for this but the field is really strong,? said national team coach Allan De Leon after one of the country?s top bets in women?s singles, Gelita Castillo, bowed out.
The tournament features up-and-coming players from powerhouse countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and China.
The 15-year-old Castillo, multiple gold medalist in several Palarong Pambansa, succumbed to sixth seed Linda Zechiri of Bulgaria, 21-13, 21-10.
Another Filipino is expected to advance with Malvinne Ann Venice Alcala battling compatriot Vicka Ella Dorado at presstime.
The country?s badminton heroes, siblings Kennie and Kennevic Asuncion, drew byes in their respective doubles events.
Bartolome, a former national player, bested Raj Popat, 21-19, 21-11, while Natividad defeated Wilfredo Amoroso, 21-17, 16-21, 21-18.
Jaime Junio, Jose Nej Martinez and Paul Jeremiah Co took a free ride to the next round after Singaporeans Wong Zi Liang Derek, Ng Zong Ren of Chen Yongzhao Ashton failed to show up.
Michael Paclibar and Danica Bolos bowed down to Indonesian youngsters Hendra Aprida Gunawan and Vita Marissa, 21-14, 21-19, in the mixed doubles.
The Filipinos managed to keep it close at 6-5 in the first set before the Indonesians pulled away behind Gunawan?s smashes.
The Indonesians appeared eager to finish off the Filipinos in the second set and produced costly errors that allowed the hosts to move within 14-13. But the visitors settled down to complete the win.
Castillo, the first Filipino singles player to get going, succumbed to jitters, giving up too many unforced errors and appearing totally defenseless against Zechiri.
