Siso gets offer to train in US training center

AFTER reading about Sally Mae Siso’s disappointing end to her age group tennis campaign, former Philippine Davis Cup captain Joseph Lizard has offered a scholarship to his training center in the US to the Cebuana.

Siso lost via forfeit in the 18-Under final to Maia Balce after she arrived an hour late for the finals of the Philta-Palawan Pawnshop national championships. Siso joined a sight-seeing tour with 30 other players and tournament officials, who all tried to convince the Balce family to let the finals push through.

John Pages, who was part of the tour, posted online an expanded version of his Sun.Star Cebu column detailing Siso’s fate and how despite the experience she went to the Balce and her coach to say her goodbye and wished them well. Lizardo, the former top-ranked player in the country said in a comment, “Classy player, being able to say goodbye to her opponent and coach. I like this in a player. Character to me is very important. Because of her attitude, I am willing to give her a scholarship to train in my LTA in the USA.”

Siso, who will turn 19 next year and will no longer be eligible to play in the age group tournament, was elated by the news, since only the top players in the country like Nino Alcantara get to train with Lizardo.

“It’s true gyud na it’s not winning that matters but how you play the game. How you handle the pressure and how you accept defeat. I didn’t know that there are people out there who will appreciate the character of the player more rather than their skills,” Siso said.

Siso, who considers the offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, said she will discuss it with her mother. Pages also said he will coordinate with Lizardo for details of the offer and relay them to the player.