The 2009 Traders Insurance Badminton Team Tournament promises to feature a high level of competition when it kicks off this Saturday at the REM Centre.
“I would say that matches in this year's Traders Insurance tournament will be tougher compared to the first two editions of the annual event,” said Shirley Kim, president of the organizing Northern Marianas Badminton Association.
“Our first two tournaments were more of warm-up events, as NMBA was just starting then, having recreational players, and teaching newcomers the basics of the sports. After three years, our players are now more competitive. We also have a lot of new members who are not just into recreational games, but are now ready for actual competition. One of the highlights of the tournament will be our junior players, who are expected to give the veterans a hard time. These junior players have shown significant improvements since joining NMBA last year,” Kim added.
The third edition of the Traders Insurance-sponsored tournament will feature six teams playing in seven events, namely mixed doubles, men and women's doubles, men's A, B and C singles, and women's B and C singles.
Each win in any event will give a team one point. All six squads will play in a round-robin format and the team with the most points will be declared the champion. Trophies will be awarded to the Top 3 placers.
This year's team tournament will run for three weekends starting this Saturday until Dec. 13. Games every Friday and Saturday will be played from 5pm to 10pm, while Sunday's matches will run from 4pm to 9pm.
Each team is allowed to have a maximum of 10 players, two each from Men's A, B, and C divisions, and women's B and C level.
Meanwhile, Kim thanked Traders Insurance, especially its president and owner Lito Mendoza, for their continued commitment to NMBA and its programs and tournaments.
“For the past three years, Traders Insurance has been a regular supporter of NMBA, whether we have a big tournament or just a weekend event. We are very thankful for their support and are looking forward to our continued partnership in the promotion of badminton in the CNMI,” Kim said.
Ernesto Licop, Traders Insurance chief operating officer and general manager, handed the $1,500 check to NMBA officials and members in a brief ceremony yesterday at the Trader Insurance's office in Beach Road and reiterated the company's commitment to the association.
“NMBA's team tournament at the end of the year has become Traders Insurance trademark and we will continue to support this tournament, which we believe help promote a healthy lifestyle, good sportsmanship, and camaraderie among all members of the badminton community on Saipan,” Licop said.
“We are calling on other companies to support not only badminton tournaments, but also other similar endeavors, as we must all be responsible in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle through involvement in sports,” he added.
Below are the participating teams and their members in this weekend's tournament.
Katipuneros: Macoi Aguda (team captain), Jerry Hibi, Mario Diola, Vic Regis, Emily Vargas, Malou Malasarte, Puy Macario, Rob Harrell, Elna Curate, and Lupe Sabino.
Star Aces: Hapi Gabriel (team captain), Joseph Santos, Jorge Olanda, Michelle C., Cristy Villaflor, Shirley Kim, Rodwealth Espana, Roding Domingo, and Jenine Savellano.
Magnum Smashers: Ferdie Arago (team captain), Andreu Galvez, Paul Navarro, Obet Aguilar, Jaja Samonte, Lucelle Lampera, Anna Alvarez, Cris Hilario, Rafael Zapanta, and Annette Quiambao.
Air Benders: Robert Reyes (team captain), Saul Gargallo, Noli Santos, Aries Cordero, Elma Labuson, Ingrid Sanches, Lea Estinopo, Manatsu Omori, Carlo Dotimas, and Riza Yutuc.
The Sizzlers: Daniel Macario (team captain), Gary Bandoja, Keno San Pablo, Ariel Mariano, Gigi Zapanta, Marlene Peraja, Cheng Saturno, Ezekiel Macario, Kanata Omori, and Merlie Tolentino.
TNT Bombers: Lito Mendoza (team captain), Edwin Montoya, Roger Vales, Jojo Savellano, Anna Rose Omori, Angie Ito, Joey Algenio, Luis Camacho, and Annette Ta.
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