Philippines succumbs to Thailand in straight-set beatdown, ends 10th in BWF World Juniors

After an intense competition, the Philippine junior badminton team ended its campaign in 10th place after falling to gritty Thailand in straight sets, 45-35, 45-34, during the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Junior Mixed Team Championships in Guwahati, India, on Oct. 11.

Hounded by a shaky start, the Philippine squad couldn’t find its footing as they squandered key rallies, sinking them in a 13-point deficit they couldn’t claw back from.

The Thais then took the wheel from there, as they sparked a 10-2 run late in the second set to seal the deal in 96 minutes.

Earlier in the tournament, the Filipino youngsters, composed of Ralph Dalojo, Jamal Pandi, Andrea Hernandez, Mary Untal, and Christel Fuentespina, had flashes of brilliance in their victories against Denmark and Sri Lanka.

Despite the relatively sour ending, this is a giant leap for the Filipino shuttlers, improving their previous 25th-place finish in Nanchang, China, the prior year.

With their World Mixed Juniors quest coming to an end, the Philippines now look to build on the momentum and experience they gained in Guwahati to seize the day another day.