An Olympic gold medalist in men’s doubles and two-time world champion, Gunawan also captured the championship in the “A” men’s doubles with fellow SGVBC coach Agus Wijaya, who is a former coach for one of Denmark’s junior teams, against San Diego’s Kyle Jordan Emerick and Sarun Vivatpatanakul at 21-16, 21-11.

Sanctioned by USA Badminton (USA, the governing body for badminton in the US, the “A” division was participated by other badminton giants, such as 2005 world champion in men’s doubles and 2008 Olympian Howard Bach, who paired up with fellow Olympian Eva Lee. Bach and Lee, however, failed to make it to the finals after being stopped in the semis by Gunawan and Peng.

In the women’s doubles, Eva Lee, who is also listed as one of SGVBC’s coaches, paired up with Arcadia Badminton Club coach Ying (Ingrid) Chen to win the finals against US national players Kuei-Ya Chen and Jamie Subandhi at 21-17, 21-14.

Meanwhile, in the recreational division, PBCA players put up a good performance as several of them moved from the semi-finals to the finals, some winning the championship and runner up titles. Of note are PBCA Vice President Nenette Sapida and Director Virra Ratonel winning the “E” women’s doubles, members Erica Fung (winner in the “E+” mixed doubles with Johnson Kosgei), Titan Balandra (runner-up in the “C” mixed doubles with Maya Bernarte), Ketel Galang (runner-up in the “D” women’s doubles with Gaya Wadu), and Amiel Tingzon (runner-up in the “E” men’s singles).

PBCA director and vice president Virra Ratonel and Nenette Sapida, respectively, pose for their "E" women's doubles victory.

The following PBCA members also garnered titles: Nenette Sapida and Carolyn Hoefer (third place in the Senior women’s doubles), Sammy Ponnusamy (third place in the Senior 100+ men’s doubles), Jun Bautista/Kiril Benliro and Benjie Baladad/Allan Grimares (third place in the “E+” men’s doubles), Benjie Baladad/Allan Grimares (third place in the “E-“ men’s doubles), Kate Marcelo and Melanie Tabili (winner in the “E” women’s doubles consolation bracket), and Kate Marcelo (winner in the “E+” mixed doubles consolation bracket with TJ Galang).

Boasting a prize money of $4,000 for the “A” division, the Summer Bash tournament, which was held on August 12-14, was participated by more than 300 players from Southern California and Las Vegas.