DIGOS City table paddlers Roldan Padasay and Ghinlou Baran clinched titles in their respective divisions during the exciting culmination of the Kadayawan Open Beach Ping Pong Tournament 2023 at the Seagull Whitesand Beach Resort in Punta Dumalag, Matina Aplaya, Davao City over the weekend.
In the executive singles event finals, Padasay recovered from a second-set loss to defeat Carlito Caballero, 15-13, 10-13, 13-10. The latter settled for the runner-up honors, while Engr. Julito Hernandez of Kidapawan City and Friendee Nuñez of Davao City placed third and fourth, respectively.
Baran, meanwhile, whipped Davao City entry Irish Patac, 13-5, 13-4, in their women's singles championship match. Digos City's Shanine Aballe was third, and Sta. Cruz player Donna Lyne Chavez placed fourth.
The men's singles title went to Peejay Atienza of Panabo City after sweeping Dabawenyo Junjun Custodio, 13-11, 13-9. Joel Umacob of Digos City and Gil Ablanque of Davao City secured the subsequent spots in the competition.
In the mixed doubles event, Caballero and Baran of Digos bounced back from an initial set loss to demolish the Custodio-Chavez pair, 10-13, 13-9, 13-5.
The winners received cash prizes and medals from organizers of the two-day event sponsored by the city government of Davao through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDD-CMO).
At least 54 participants joined the tournament, according to beach ping pong founder and tournament director Friendee Nuñez.
He shared that the concept of beach ping pong was born out of his vision, leading him to acquire 55mm balls with greater weight than standard ones, thus ensuring resistance to wind interference.
Cooperative Development Authority Joseph Encabo, Undersecretary of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and a native of Davao City, proudly serves as the inaugural national president of the Beach Ping Pong Association of the Philippines. (MLSA)