Smash Pilipinas standouts justified their place in the national team after reigning supreme in the weeklong Philippine National Badminton Open 2026 held at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Mikaela Joy De Guzman remained the best women’s singles player after claiming her fourth successive title with a 21-6, 21-7 win over former Ateneo teammate and Season 86 Co-MVP Jochelle Alvarez, who was the only non-national athlete to reach the final.
Jewel Angelo Albo, for his part, defended his title for a three-peat in men’s singles with an 18-21, 21-12, 21-14 reversal over Clarence Villaflor.
In the men’s doubles, Julius Villabrille and Solomon Padiz Jr. retained their title with a come from behind 14-21, 21-14, 21-17 victory over Christian Bernardo and Alvin Morada.
Meanwhile, Andrea Hernandez and Mary Destiny Untal reclaimed the women’s doubles crown they lost last year after beating Eleanor Inlayo and Jeya Von Pinlac 21-19, 21-19.
In the mixed doubles final, Villabrille and Andrea Hernandez defeated Bernardo and Inlayo, 21-15, 21-14.
The national athletes will return to the courts from July 28 to August 2 when the country hosts the Philippine International Challenge 2026.
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