Mark John Castro, a talented badminton player who has won multiple regional titles, defeated Jericho Clopino in a tight match that went to three sets. While Clopino took the second set, Castro dominated the first and third sets through powerful smashes and drop shots, demonstrating his skill and ability at the backcourt. After the victory, Castro credited endurance, speed, focus, discipline and self-confidence for his success in the match and in badminton overall.

1. Raw but talented two-time Palarong Bicol Mark John Castro is fast evolving into somebody that
Jericho Clopino can really turn to.
Castro proved his skill and ability at the backcourt using his powerful smash and drop-shots that
lead his team into victory 15-14, 14-15, 15-1, against Clopino at PCES Multi-Purpose Hall, August
22, 2019.
Castro blew away a strong start but caught in the second wind enabling them to trail by 2 points
in the middle going of the first set, but they brought back their rhythm and made an elusive shot
to snatch the set, 15-4.
Clopino tried to clinch the win in the second set to bring the match to the decisive set and fold
the upset to Castro, 14-15.
A thrilling change of rallies accused in the middle going of the third set which made the match
unpredictable, but Castro boost up with desperation to finish the match. They ended it up with
a powerful smash, 15-13.
“Sa akin endurance at speed lang naman”, Mark John Castro said.
Castro punctuated that focus, discipline, and self-confidence are needed to win in any game.