De Guzman jumps 50 spots in world rankings after Cinderella run in New Zealand

From world No. 222, Ateneo standout Mikaela De Guzman climbed to No. 172 in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) women’s singles rankings after securing the silver medal at the Maxx North Harbour International tournament in New Zealand.

De Guzman’s rise came on the heels of a giant-slaying run that earned her 3,400 ranking points and a 50-spot jump in the world standings.

The Katipunan-based shuttler opened her campaign against world No. 48 Chen Su Yu of Chinese Taipei. Undeterred by the rankings gap, De Guzman pulled off a three-set upset, 21-8, 20-22, 21-19, to reach the round of 16.

The three-time UAAP MVP then breezed through her next three matches without dropping a set before facing world No. 44 Tung Ciou-Tung in the finals. Tung rallied from a first-set loss to capture the title, 12-21, 21-11, 21-14.

Following her breakout international performance, De Guzman aims to sustain her form as team captain of the Ateneo Blue Eagles women’s badminton squad, which looks to reclaim the UAAP Season 88 crown.