MANILA -- Mika De Guzman began her title defense in the women's singles at the Philippine Badminton Open 2024 with a commanding 21-8, 21-7 victory over De La Salle University's Mia Manguilimotan on Friday at the First Pacific Leadership Academy in Antipolo.

A three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player, De Guzman took 22 minutes to secure the win.

Mika De Guzman in action in women's singles in the Philippine Badminton Open 2024, June 7, 2024, at the First Pacific Leadership Academy in Antipolo City. Handout/Philippine Badminton Association

"Hindi ko rin po iniisip na defending champion ako, but in my heart and in my mind, sabi ko na I need to give my 100 percent sa game and no regrets. So far, I still got my 100 percent po," she said.

De Guzman will face a familiar foe in Anthea Gonzalez of the University of the Philippines, who triumphed over Sarah Joy Barredo of National University with scores of 21-23, 21-17, 21-14 in the Round of 16 on Saturday.

In the men's division, Clarence Villaflor of Cadiz-JBA/Apacs upset titleholder Mark Velasco with a stunning 21-17, 21-13 win in the Round of 32.

Villaflor, a former National Juniors Badminton champion, will face the winner of the match between Carlo Remo of Ateneo and Zachary Chua of Bianca Carlos Badminton Academy.

The men's doubles saw a significant win from Smash Pilipinas and National University standouts Julius Villabrille and Solomon Padiz Jr. in the Round of 64.

The 2023 APACS Kazakhstan Future Series champions and reigning event champions defeated UAAP Season 71 MVP Winston Aquilo and Lanz Ramirez of Smart, 21-10, 21-12.