The Marshalls walked away with the second annual Brantas in-house title at the Dr. Soliman Fakeh HSPC badminton courts on August 18. This is the second time the team has picked up the in-house championship crown. The Marshall's team captain Allan Correa said he was only able to make it through with the sportsmanship and unity within the team. The friendliest and one of the most exciting rallies are always assured at the Brantas in-house tournaments, and this year round, it drew more participation of enthusiasts from Jeddah badminton clubs namely: Beafort Badminton Club, Flickers Badminton Club, Hataw Badminton Club, Jeddah Shuttle Masters Badminton Club, Jeddah Slashers Badminton Club, KAIA Badminton Club, Pinoy Badminton Barkada, Ranao Badminton Club and Smash Arabia Badminton Club. It is a team tournament consisting of six teams colorfully titled: Blazing Shuttle, Cygnus, Mad Scuds, Patriots, Stargeesers and The Marshalls - equally player-distributed for the men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles events. Battling their way to the top, the team finalist Mad Scuds and The Marshalls showed game quality events. Commanding lead for Mad Scuds' team was made during the first game - men's doubles event between Mad Scuds' team captain Leo Fajardo & Dominic Isidro vs. The Marshalls team captain Allan Correa & Danny Celestial. Mud Scuds dominated the game in two sets. Blood came rushing back in for The Marshalls during the second event – women's doubles fought between Tess Atienza and Mavic Nulud vs. Analyn Horlador and Elaine Santander. The Marshalls finished on top 24-22, 12-21, 23-21. Indeed a third event was played – mixed doubles, dynamic attacks by Mad Scuds' Meljun Fabicon and Juliet Fajardo were seen but continuously The Marshalls' Sam Datu Haron and Raquel Junio overwhelmingly defended their post. Taking home the Sportsmanship Award this year is Sam Datu Haron who proved himself with impressive and brotherhood relationship with players alike. Having had a year of practice and regular training, Jo Mateo-Celestial garnered the Most Improved Player Award. Her counterpart, Leo Fajardo, collects the same recognition for his efforts and diligence to become a better player. This year's theme was “Charge Up for Victory”, a theme just right for sponsor Bison Energy Drink, as it definitely charged the players to a tough victory. Eric Legaspina, Bison Energy Drink representative, received a plaque of recognition for their enduring support for sports enthusiasts. Sky Freight Forwarders were also among this event's sponsors, who received the same recognition for the quality freight assistance and in the success of this year's tournament. Brantas Badminton Club Chairman Mr. Willie Manalang thanked the participants and the sponsors to make the event a success. “Not only did the players gain new skills but new friends, as well,” said the ‘Coach', as he is respectfully known. __
