Bartolome leads RP bets in second round of RP open badminton

MANILA, Philippines – Doubles specialist Rodel Bartolome of the Philippines proved that he can also shine in the men’s singles event in the Bingo Bonanza Philippine Open Badminton Championships. Bartolome entered the last 32 of the $120,000 event after a 21-19, 21-11 win over Raj Popat of Wales on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Bartolome, who regularly competes in the doubles event with his brother, was a surprise winner to reach the second round with compatriots Jaime Junio, Jose Martinez and Paul Co in the tournament. But unlike Bartolome, Junio, Martinez and Co won through walkover wins over Zi Wong, Zong Ren Ng and YongZhao Chen of Singapore to enter the next round. However, the Filipinos are expected to face tougher challenges in the next round with Bartolome meeting No. 7 and former world junior champion Chen Long of China. Chen is the top favorite to win the singles crown after defeating current world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, and former top players Lin Dan and Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia the last few months. “I feel the pressure but I’m confident," said Chen during Wednesday’s launching at the Holiday Inn Galleria in Mandaluyong City. Other than Bartolome’s triumph, the Philippine campaign in the event looks bleak with Patrick Magnaye, Raymond Padilla, Melvin Llanes, Peter Magnaye and Benjamin Gadi all fell to their superior opponents. Siblings Kennevic and Kennie Asuncion, the 2006 runner-up in the mixed doubles event, hopes to counter the country’s sagging fortunes in the tournament when open their title bid on Thursday. “We hope to do well and we’re focused on this. Every time we play, the field gets tougher, especially now that there are many unknown but dangerous players but we’re prepared," Kennie said.