The 89th Araw ng Dabaw Pickleball Championships, held on Sunday, March 15, at Picklehive in Davao City, delivered a weekend of high-stakes competition, drawing 140 enthusiastic players. This event was a key component of the 43 accredited activities in the 89th Araw ng Dabaw Sports Festival, organized by the Davao City government through the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor’s Office (SDD-CMO).
Intermediate Division Showdown
In the intermediate division, the final match was a nail-biter as Roland Uy and Carlos Arceo of Davao City narrowly defeated Celso Bordadora and Jeffrey Montez of Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, with a score of 15-13. Uy and Arceo maintained their composure during a tense finale, successfully fending off a late rally by their opponents to clinch the championship title.
To reach the championship round, Uy and Arceo secured a decisive 15-7 victory over Jeshrey Mesagrande and Julia Grino in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Bordadora and Montez earned their spot in the final by edging out Gene Ankang and Zoren Mendiola in a close 14-12 semifinal match. The semifinal losers, Mesagrande and Grino alongside Ankang and Mendiola, shared third place honors.
Beginner and Novice Divisions
The beginner division saw Mikhail Arrieta and Amir Amaikurut of Davao City emerge as champions after a 15-11 win over Michael Angelo Ibañez and Marcial Alapag in the final. Arrieta and Amaikurut advanced to the championship match by defeating Yu and Taylaran 15-8 in the semifinals, while Ibañez and Alapag overpowered Raniel Cabrera and Janine Cruz 15-1 in the other semifinal to set up the title clash.
In the novice division, brothers James Robert Sy and Ralph Robert Sy of Mati City dominated the competition, claiming victory with a 15-5 win over Phil Bardillo and Paul Legaspe in the final. The Sy brothers secured their finals berth after a 15-7 semifinal victory against Miko Solitaria and Jewel Eugster, while Bardillo and Legaspe advanced with a 15-9 win over Franco Villaroman and Eric Dulay.
Tournament Details and Awards
Juanito "Titong" Cansino Jr. served as the tournament director, overseeing the two-day event that highlighted local talent and community spirit. Champions in each division were rewarded with a cash prize of P5,000 and a trophy, while runners-up received P3,000 and medals. Additionally, the two semifinalists in each category each earned P1,000 and a medal, recognizing their competitive efforts.
The pickleball championships not only showcased athletic prowess but also reinforced the vibrant sports culture in Davao City, contributing to the festive atmosphere of the Araw ng Dabaw celebrations.
