PLMayers dominate 2024 Elite Smashers Anniversary Badminton Tournament men's doubles

Kurt Ashley Asistores and Kevin Enzo Lim of Bachelor of Physical Education 2-1 strategically disposed their final opponents on the recently concluded 2024 Elite Smashers Anniversary Badminton Tournament for Beginner’s Level men's doubles, 31-24 at Powerplay Bocobo Court, Manila, Feb. 9.

Before entering the championship, Lim and Asistores had the chance to watch their final rival’s play style, and that's when they knew how to beat them using their own tactics.

The badminton duo smashed four consecutive wins from different opponents all throughout the tourney, 31-12, 31-21, 31-29, and 31-24.

With a tenacious show, Lim and Asistores unleashed the Haribon’s might and strength as they managed to pin down the more aggressive players of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in the semi-finals, 31–29.

"Semis po kasi mas nahirapan po kami sa play style nila, mas aggressive po sila, hindi po nila kami binibigyan ng chance maka-attack kaya naka defense mode po kami buong game," Asistores said.

By avoiding shot errors, consistency, and a champion hungry heart, the Haribon tandem stood their ground for their tournament win.

"The moment na panalo na kami sa game na ‘yon, ‘di pa talaga nag sink in agad…noong nagpahinga lang kami sa benches tsaka lang naging grabe yung happy feeling…I finally achieved what I was dreaming of ever since I was [in] high school, which was to receive a medal from playing my favorite sport badminton, tapos ngayon ‘di lang medal nakuha ko kundi trophy pa so I was really overjoyed,” said Lim.

With the victory, Asistores and Lim bagged a trophy and a cash prize in their first tournament together.