Tuesday, April 24, 2007 Region 7 makes Palaro last 8 By Mike Limpag Sun.Star Staff Reporter
KORONADAL City - Tennis prodigy Jacob Lagman turned 12 yesterday.
However, instead of blowing out candles, he blew out two rivals in convincing fashion to tow Region 7 to a quarterfinal showdown against National Capitol Region in the Palarong Pambansa elementary tennis.
Lagman was simply too powerful as he blasted his Region 11 foe, 8-0, in the first singles match.
However, Vibiero Marie Buslon and John Marie Gelbolinge squandered a 2-0 win after losing their doubles match, 7-8, despite getting to match point at 7-6.
In the deciding singles, Fritz Satera proved too strong as he won, 8-2.
The team’s afternoon match against Region 1 was cut short after only three players suited up for their opponents.
“It was agreed that four players have to be present in the team contest,” said Julie Lagman.
Jacob won the first singles match, 8-1, and their foes opted to concede the doubles and final singles event, setting them up for a quarterfinal showdown.
“We will have to see who will play first in the singles event tomorrow. Fritz might play the deciding single or it could be Jacob,” said Tito, the father of Fritz.
NCR, which defeated ARMM, is led by Deo Talatayod, who is 4-3 in seven meetings with Jacob.
Strong start
The secondary tennis team also got off to a strong start after beating Region XI, 2-0. Macy Solon blanked Laureanne Saurez, 8-0, and Kristiel Buenacosa and Sally Dine Siso defeated Sandra Lagman and Kristina Colmenares, 8-4.
The secondary volleyball girls, the defending champion, also got off to a strong start after outlasting Region 1, 30-28 and 25-21.
Central Visayas also started strong in secondary football after blasting Ilocos Region, 5-1. The team will play the defending champion Western Visayas, a 5-1 winner over Central Luzon yesterday, in the second game today.
Renan Libaton had two goals, while John Miles Canoy, RJ Sembrano and Adrianne Mejaran had one each.
A win today will earn a rest day for the team tomorrow, but if they lose they will have to play and win in seven matches in the next four days.
The elementary team, which is also the defending champion, will debut today against Western Visayas.
Eight gold medals
Meanwhile, the swimming contest will open today, while eight gold medals will be at stake in the second day of athletics at the South Cotabato Sports Complex.
Among the early gold medallists yesterday was Region 5’s Aiza Rosero, who won the secondary girls javelin threw with a hurl of 36.83 meters. Region 6’s Josie Etrina and Sharmen Bucaling took the second and third spots, respectively.
