Wednesday, November 29, 2006 Siso, Tabotabo march on
CEBUANO netters Vince Mark Tabotabo and Sally Mae Siso move to the next rounds in their divisions of the Penang Open International Junior Age Group Tennis Championship 2006 in contrasting fashion yesterday in Penang, Malaysia.
While Sally Mae Siso was literally uncontested when she advanced in the Girls 12 division via default, Vince Mark Tabotabo of Tuburan was a workhorse as he had to chuck out two foes before finally settling for a spot in the fourth round.
Tabotabo, who is supported by Vice Governor Greg Sanchez, Tuburan town, Accord Bank and Tavos Sports, enjoyed a bye in the first round and overcame Mohd Aliza Bin Sauffi, 8-4 to arrange a third round match up with Thailand’s Sorwait Musitapond.
Shorter matches
Against the Thai, the nine-year-old Tuburan Elementary School student was just as good as he won, 8-4.
The tournament used the straight eight format to make the matches shorter as, according to Tabotabo, the age division attracted a lot of netters from almost 11 nations.
The best of three sets format will be used during the semifinal and final rounds.
With the win, Tabotabo books a fourth round outing with South Korea’s Cho Hyungjin.
Vince Mark’s father, Titus, said his son is eyeing an improved performance in the singles event for the second leg after a bronze medal finish in the opening leg last week in Selangor. Last week, Vince Mark won a gold in the doubles competition.
Aside from the singles event, Tabotabo will also open his bid in doubles with partner Jurence Mendoza today.
Meanwhile, Siso, the top-seeded player in the Girls 12, had a relaxing first day, after her Thai opponent Chanigarn Chainarong failed to show up for their match.
Korean foe
The 12-year-old student of University of San Carlos South Campus, who is supported by Jonathan Guardo, Nick Pepito and Dunlop, will next face Korean challenger, Song Suna, today.
Siso will also pair up with Penang’s top player in the Girls 12 class, Neesha Menon for the doubles event. Menon is Siso’s partner in 2004, when they won a gold in the 10-Under class. Menon and Siso are scheduled to play together until the next leg in Perlis. (MCB)
