Sunday, October 07, 2007 Cebu junior netters eye Malaysia Circuit
CEBUANO junior netters are right on track in their respective bids in the Milo Junior Tennis National Championships as they logged victories yesterday in Manila.
The Cebuanos need to sweep all of their games in order to take the crown and book seats to the Malaysia Tennis Circuit slated next month. There are only four players in every division namely the 10 under unisex, girls and boys 12 and the girls and boys 14 and under. The player with the most number of wins will take the crown.
As of yesterday, Jacob Lagman’s star shone brightest as he registered two wins, while siblings Sally Mae and Bernardine Siso of University of San Carlos South Campus logged one win each.
Prowess
Lagman of St. Benedict Childhood Learning Center won in the boys 12 division over Mark Escares, 6-0, 6-1, and later trounced John Rudas, 6-0, 6-0, to be up front in this division. To be sure of taking home the title, Lagman only needs to showcase his prowess once more on Brian Kent Balvanida for his final assignment set at 12 noon today.
Meanwhile, Sally Mae, who is setting her sights on another Malaysian stint, defeated Madelene Ramos, 6-0, 6-0.
Sally Mae was the most bemedalled Filipino netter in the international tennis circuit in Malaysia last year. That feat had earned her accolades as athlete of the year for the Sportswriters Association of Cebu. She also got a citation from the city for her exploits in sports, which is the first of its kind. She is set to face Nina Jessa Marie Ladera next.
Her older brother Berardine hopes to jump into the bandwagon after failing to do so last year. Yesterday, Bernardine defeated Dheo Talatayod, 6-0, 6-3. Bernardine still needs to defeat Bern Lou Bering of Mindanao today.
Chance
Bernardine needs to win in order to go back to Malaysia. This will be his last chance as the Malaysia competition is only for 14 under playing and Bernardine will be going one age group up next year. He failed to compete in Malaysia last year when he lost in the qualifying here. When his family tried to send him from their own pockets, this was hampered by financial shortage.
The Sisos are supported by Jonathan Guardo, Tavos Sports, Thirsty Juices and Shakes and Arnold Go.
Meanwhile, two other Cebuanos, Vince Mark Tabotabo and Crisianne Kintanar were scheduled to play today for their respective bids in the 10-Under and girls 12 classes.
Tabotabo is fresh off a win in the Hilado Cupo Age Group tournament in Manila, where he defeated Joshua Heranan, 6-3, 6-0 last Friday. (MCB)
