JORDAN Pangilinan and Andreau Galvez placed second in the men’s doubles open division of the 2022 Guam Badminton Invitational Tournament held over the weekend.
In the finals match against Guam’s John Custodio and CJ Estipona, the NMI duo gave it their all in a high-level exchange.
In the first set, both teams seemed evenly match and were deadlocked 4-4 when Guam’s Custodio suddenly unleased four consecutive points
Estipona then pulled a 10-point run to give Guam a comfortable 18-5 lead.
Pangilinan and Galvez tried to get back in the game but failed to stop their opponents from earning the remaining three points needed to grasp the first-set victory, 21-8.
In the second set, the NMI duo played with more confidence. Galvez scored the first three points but the NMI struggled defensively as Guam fired back with four straight points courtesy of Custodio.
It was a fast-paced game with Guam pulling ahead, 16-10, thanks to Estipona’s consistency in delivering smashes.
The NMI tried to work their way back but they could not disrupt Guam’s momentum and had to accept defeat, 15-21.
“Our opponents were tough — we tried to push ourselves even with our gas tanks low,” Galvez said. “I believe the real opponent is yourself, how much can you push yourself through your limits to be a better athlete, especially in back-to-back matches. Still, my partner and I are really happy to have made it to the championship.”
Galvez said overall the tournament was fun and challenging.
“The back-to-back matches can really take a toll on your muscles,” he added. “But it’s a great experience especially because this was just a warm up to the actual competition ahead, the Pacific Mini Games. Everyone was amazing, both the Saipan and Guam players, win or lose, it’s all about progress to improvement as we forge our way to victory.”
Two other members of the NMI delegation, Nate Guerrero and Janelle Pangilinan, won the gold in the mixed doubles category.
For Guerrero, the badminton tournament on Guam was a great success.
“I would like to give a huge shout out to the Guam National Badminton Federation as well to Ian Piencenaves from Badminton Asia for organizing the event. It was a very fun tournament. Everyone from both associations had a blast and it was a great opportunity for our new players to get that experience, so we are very grateful to [Guam] for the opportunity — we’ve always had a good relationship with them,” he added, referring to the Guam federation.
Janelle Pangilinan added, “The tournament was a great opportunity for our team to learn and grow.”
Jordan Pangilinan, second left, and Andreau Galvez pose with Guam National Badminton Federation officials during the 2022 Guam Badminton Invitational Tournament over the weekend.
