Monday, October 30, 2006 Cebuano bets advance in Gingoog City tennis
JUNIOR Cebuano netters are on a winning roll in the Cebuana Lhuiller Age Group Tennis Tournament, as they advanced to the next rounds in their respective divisions yesterday in Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental.
Spearheading the assault is up and coming player Vince Mark Tabotabo of Tuburan, who gained entry to the title round of the Boys 12 and Under and advanced to the semifinal round of the 10 Under unisex class.
Tabotabo, who is supported by Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez and Tuburan Tennis Club's Jude Laurel, entered the final round of the Boys 12 after trouncing Adjuthor Moralde, 6-1, 6-1 in their semis outing.
Fellow Cebuano
Later, he preyed on fellow Cebuano Christopher Encarnacion, 6-1, 6-1 to enter the semis of the 10 under class.
The nine-year-old Tabotabo is ranked 6th in the national listing of the Philippine Tennis Association.
Celebrated tennis player John Francis Largo, who previously was on hiatus from out-of-town tournaments, snagged a slot to the semifinal round of the Boys 16 Under division after trouncing Juan Paolo Fernan, 6-3, 6-0.
Last tilt
The last competition Largo competed in is the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc., a group event, where he, representing University of the Visayas, finished second.
Meanwhile, Dumanjug's Franklin Encarnacion made a mark of his own as he entered the semifinal round of the Boys 14 Under. Encarnacion edged Adjul Ephraim Moralde, 6-4, 7-6.
Encarnacion was only in the area for vacation and enlisted at the last minute upon learning of the competition, which his fellow Cebuanos are joining. (MCB)
