SOFIA Pagara and Khy Progella completed a remarkable run from the qualifying round to the championship after defeating fellow Alas Pilipinas’ Cherry Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, 21-18, 21-13, in the Beach Pro Tour Futures final Sunday in Busan, South Korea.
Pagara and Progella controlled the second set to pull away from the veteran pair and secure the gold medal in an all-Filipino championship match.
The victory also gave the Philippines a 1-2 finish in the tournament, with Rondina and Pons settling for silver.
Pagara and Progella had earlier survived a tough semifinal against Japan, recovering from a first-set loss to win, 17-21, 21-13, 15-11.
Rondina and Pons, meanwhile, booked their place in the final by sweeping Australia, 23-21, 21-19.
Pagara and Progella’s title campaign began in the qualifiers. They advanced to the main draw after winning twice in Pool D to top their group and move into the quarterfinals.
Australia claimed the bronze medal after defeating Japan, 21-15, 20-22, 15-8.
The strong showing by both Philippine pairs highlighted a productive campaign for Alas Pilipinas Beach Volleyball in Busan. (Adrian Co)
