From 19th place last week, the Asuncions are now ranked No. 15 in the latest International Badminton Federation world rankings. But among the Asians, they are seeded No. 9.

The Asuncions both made it to the round of 32 of the Proton Malaysia Open and the Korea Open tournaments but failed to progress after running into a pair of formidable Danish rivals.

In the Malaysia tournament, they absorbed a 21-18, 21-14 defeat at the hands of Danish Britta Andersen and Joachim Nielsen.

The Danish tandem of Thomas Laybourn and Kamilla RytterJuhl also beat the Filipinos, 21-10, 21-17, in Korea to extend their winning run to three over the Asuncions.

Laybourn and Rytter-Juhl first beat the Asuncions in the Yonex All-England in 2004 and then in last year’s MVP Cup 2: Europe versus Asia – an event held at the Araneta Coliseum last year.

The Malaysia and Korea events were the first two legs of the Badminton World Federation’s Super Series where top-ranked players from around the globe are slugging it out for valuable points.

Despite the progress, their father and coach Nelson, said there was no reason for them to celebrate because they’re still far away from other top-ranked players in terms of skills.

"Kailangang dire-diretso ang pagsali namin sa mga tournaments, kung hindi, mapapag-iwanan kami ng ibang bansa," the older Asuncion said. "Sana sa mga susunod na sasalihan namin mas lalong tumaas pa ang performance nila."

The Asuncion siblings are hoping to do well in at least 10 foreign tournaments to earn qualifying points for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

If they can find sponsors, their next target is to play in the tough All-England tournament on March 6 to 11. They are also eyeing a sting in the Swiss Open.

"Susubukan naming makakuha pa ng sponsors para makapaglaro sila sa mga malalaking tournament at makapag-train abroad. Dapat kasi consistent ang training nila sa ibang bansa dahil kung dito lang naman sila ay wala naman silang makakalarong malalakas for training," Nelson said.