Unranked Vince EJ Tugade and Caryn Bless Guarde of Sultan Kudarat came away with a pair of straight-set victories each to dominate the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala presented by Babolat tennis tournament at the City Court Tennis Club in Gen. Santos City yesterday.
The 11-year-old Tugade upended second seed Merwin Estrellado, 4-2, 4-0, in the quarters, held off Jeff Alquiza, 5-4(4), 4-2, in the semis then mastered No. 4 Alfred Directo, 6-3, 6-1, in the finals to cop the boys’ 14-and-under title in the 18th leg of the nationwide circuit put up by Palawan Pawnshop and Babolat.
Tugade earlier downed the top seeded Directo, 4-0, 4-1, in the semis then blasted No. 2 Nicole Gorospe, 6-0, 6-1, to bag the 12-and-U diadem in the event hosted by CCTC, headed by its president Dr. Mario Dideles.
Guarde, 11, matched Tugade’s two-title romp by ruling the girls’ 14- and 12-and-U classes, beating April Bentillo twice, 6-4, 6-2, and 6-1, 6-2, respectively.
Sharyl delos Santos also scored a twin-kill, trouncing Shaira Rivera twice, 6-2, 6-1, and 6-4, 6-2, to cop the girls’ 18- and 16-and-U plums, respectively, while No. 4 Jeric delos Santos topped the boys’ 18-and-U category with a 6-3, 6-0 win over Abubakar Pendiwata.
Unseeded Ralph Diama also pulled off a big surprise, taking the boys’ 16-and-U crown with a 6-0, 6-2 win over Lyle Ibali while top seed April Minet Bentillo rolled past Angelica Novis, 6-3, 6-2, to cop the 10-unisex diadem.
“This series of nationwide age-group tournaments is part of Palawan Pawnshop’s commitment to give our young players, especially from the countryside, a venue where they could hone their talent and skills,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro.
Meanwhile, the tournament, sanctioned by Philta headed by president and Paranaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, resumes Sept. 27-30 in Koronadala City. For details, contact Philta referee Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.(pr)
Mo Billacura 