VINCE Mark Tabotabo put all of what he learned from his US trip to good use when he sailed through his first competition for the year and advanced to the final round of the Andrada Cup yesterday at the Philippine Tennis Association tennis courts.

Tabotabo started the year as an unseeded player. He did not earn points after failing to join local tournaments when he opted to compete in the US.

Bankrolled by Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez, Tabotabo spent months in California to compete in weekly tennis events giving him the No. 24 seed in the Boys 12 ranking in California, and he will most likely make it in the Top 20 once all the points of his other tournaments will be posted.

Despite being absent from the local scene, Tabotabo did not have trouble adjusting as he went on to defeat three players, including the No. 1 seed Vince Salas in the quarterfinals.

“He really improved his style of playing. His experience in the US really helped. The American kids have different styles compared to the Filipinos. They have very bad temperaments and they are not like the Filipino players, who fight until the end,” said Tabotabo’s father and coach Titus.

Tabotabo of Tuburan first defeated Jan Revero, 6-0, 6-0. He then defeated Salas in a long three-setter, 7-6 (5), 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), to arrange a semifinal outing with Alberto Lin.

Tabotabo then made easy work of Lin, 6-1, 6-1, to be assured of a spot in the finals. He will be taking on either Calvin Canlas or Christian San Andres in the finals today. Their match was postponed because of rain.

Tabotabo arrived from the US two weeks ago, bringing 11 championship trophies from different competitions in California.

After the Andrada Cup, he will be training at the Manila Polo Club under a Spanish coach. (MCB)

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