Dominant wins highlight Pickle Fest High Intermediate duels

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DAVAO City — Statement victories defined the High Intermediate Level finals of the Pickle Fest 2026 Adult Categories Sectional Tournament at Pickletown here on Friday, with champions asserting their class through commanding performances that underscored preparation, chemistry and tactical discipline.

Leading the charge were Clarence Benemerito and Joshua Valencia, who powered past Jay Cinco and Henry Aniana, 15-2, to seize the 20+ men’s doubles gold medal in emphatic fashion.

From the outset, Benemerito and Valencia controlled the “kitchen” — pickleball’s non-volley zone — dictating tempo, neutralizing counterattacks and showcasing the consistency and net positioning that separate contenders from champions.

The finals across divisions largely reflected similar storylines.

Six of the seven gold medal matches were decided by wide margins, illustrating the depth of preparation and technical know-how displayed by the eventual winners — yet each match remained a testament to the competitive drive that defined the four-day meet organized by Kosmas Athletic Ventures Corp. (KAVC) in partnership with Sunrise Events, Inc.

Meanwhile, registration remains open for the Net and Paddle Tournament in Cebu City set March 11–15.

For details, visit https://picklefest.kosmas.com.ph/ or the official Facebook page of Pickle Fest 2026.

In the 20+ women’s doubles of the event sponsored by Milo, Summit and Pocari, Jessica Consad and Rachel Velez imposed their rhythm early and sustained it en route to a 15-8 victory over Jeycel Esnardo and Stephany Poncardas.

Julius Colina later joined forces with Poncardas in mixed doubles play, combining precision and smart shot selection to defeat Benemerito and Esnardo, 11-6.

The 35+ men’s doubles crown went to Robbie Martinez and Botoy Catalan, who surged to a 15-4 triumph over Jeffrey Pomposo and Ryan Quiñones behind steady execution and relentless court coverage.

The tightest battle of the day came in the 35+ women’s doubles final, where Rochelleen Quibingco and Patricia Calma edged Sherry Nacilla and Rose Ann Mendez, 15-13, in a gripping duel that delivered the drama and intensity worthy of a championship stage.

Gerard Pinili and Nikki Pinili completed a dominant mixed doubles run in the same age group, prevailing 15-4 over Zaldis Mendez Sr. and Ann Mendez.

In the 50+ men’s doubles, Mark Mariveles and Ramil Leonida delivered the most decisive result of the tournament, overwhelming Shane Maxino and Raeq Llaguno, 15-1, with a clinical blend of placement and patience.

Bronze medalists across divisions included Kyle Radaza and Jannicol Lazarte (20+ men’s doubles); Leslie Reyes and Lilibeth Pulido (20+ women’s doubles); Christine Jalapit and Kathy Enriquez (35+ women’s doubles); Noel Emperador and Majoy Maynabay (35+ mixed doubles); and Neil Jalapit and Raivin Enriquez (50+ men’s doubles).

With the adult champions crowned, focus now turns to Saturday’s centerpiece event — the PCL Asia Rising Stars U19 Sectional Tournament.

More than just another competition, the U19 sectional serves as an official youth development pathway within the PCL Asia ecosystem, aligning with international best practices in junior athlete progression.

The tournament provides emerging Filipino picklers a structured route toward higher-level regional and global competition, bridging grassroots development with elite exposure.