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The Philippine badminton tandem of Aries Balanag Delos Santos and Gerald Sibayan won the 2021 Yonex Open NBVC held at the Northern Virginia Badminton Club from September 24 to September 26 in Ashburn, Virginia USA.

Gerald and Aries were declared champions in the Men's Doubles.They defeated their opponents, Shlok Ramchandran, the Indian badminton player with Rank 32 in the Badminton World Federation, and his partner Victor Lai in the finals score at 21-15, 12-21 and 21-17. Ramchandran and Lai took the first runner up place.

The Filipino players admitted that they were nervous in their match against the great badminton players but they won and they are dedicating their victory to the Filipinos.

“Before the game, we are a bit nervous and excited at the same time. Of course we are up against BWF World rank 32 in Men's Doubles from india. First set, we tried to get the feeling of the game and manage to grab the first set.

“During the 2nd set, we started slow and rest as we're lacking of endurance and preparation. We managed to pull the best strategy to end the game at the final set of the match. It feels good to be back," Aries said.

Gerald, on ther other hand, expressed his happiness when they beat the famous and talented Indian badminton player.

He said, "I am honored that we played against the World Number 32 badminton player and great players here in America, Shlok Ramchandran and Victor Lai."

Aries Balanag Delos Santos (left) and Gerald Sibayan (right) with Shlok Ramchandran (center)

On his Instagram post, Gerald was congratulated by his wife, The Clash judge AiAi Delas Alas.

Gerald Sibayan used to be a badminton player for De La Salle University, where he took up Sports Management.

Check out Gerald's fitness photos here: