Top-ranked Robert Andrew Garcia outplayed his national coach Valentino Bong, 11-8, 6-11, 17-15, 11-8, to emerge the men’s singles champion of the 4th Nissan-Philippine Squash Academy (PSA) Open held over the weekend at the Palms Country Club courts in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
Garcia, the country’s no. 1 player, defeated Kown Oh Seok of Korea in three sets in the first round and took the scalp of another Korean bet, Yong Yong Min in the second round to barge into the semifinals. He beat fellow national David Peleno to earn the right to meet Bong for in the championship.
This is the first time that a Filipino won this World Tour-sanctioned tournament participated by players from South Korea, Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Bong, who won the 2016 Southeast Asian Cup while still campaigning for the Malaysian flag, hurdled three opponents, including Sing Su Han of Singapore, before bowing to Garcia.
PSA president Robert Bachmann said the national team’s performance is getting better in international competition with players like Garcia, who continues to improve his world ranking. Add to that the addition of Bong in future national squad lineup.
Garcia bagged the bronzed in the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia last August, sharing the spot with
Singapore’s Sameul Kang while host country Malaysia’s M. Syafiq Mohd Kamal and Ng Eain Yow took the silver and gold medals, respectively.
With Garcia at the helm, the Philippines scooped a total of 2 silvers and 6 bronzes for its best finish thus far in the biennial meet.
Singapore and Malaysia are the traditional squash powerhouse in the region.