Sunday, March 23, 2008 Junior netters struggle in ITF
FILIPINO junior netters are struggling in the first two days of competition in the International Tennis Federation 14-Under Championship 2008 at the Pusat Tennis Kemayoran courts in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Cebuano bet Sally Mae Siso has already incurred two losses in the singles event and a win in the doubles competition, where she is paired up with Manila’s Shanine Olivarez.
Siso, of the University of San Carlos and who is sponsored by Dunlop, Casino Español Tennis Club, Commonwealth Estate Inc. and the Woodcrest Residences, first lost to Uzbekistan’s Nigina Abduraimova, 2-6, 2-6. In the second day she fell prey to India’s Vaidehi Bhagwat, 0-6, 1-6.
Only victory
Siso and Olivarez’s only win so far was the doubles match, where they trounced Korea’s Choi Ji Hee and Kim Yeon, 6-0, 6-1.
Also suffering early losses in the singles event are the boys division bets Arjohn dela Cruz and Enrique Ferrer. Dheo Talatayod, however, saved the boys from total shutout in the first two days after winning a 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 squeaker.
Unlike regular competitions, the ITF 14-Under does not utilize a knockout system. The singles event is conducted in a feed-in consolation basis, where players compete in one singles match everyday.
Another event
After this event, the players are set to compete in another five-day competition. After the two tournaments are over, the wins will be tabulated to determine the ranking.
The Under-14 event is sponsored by the Grand Slam Development Fund. Last year, the event was backed by the Australian Open and the top eight players from the boys and girls divisions went to Australia last January to compete in the 14-Under Series Masters Final. The Philippines was represented by Martina Jonica Guba, who had ranked third last year.
Those who make it to the ITF Asian 14-Under team will be off to Europe this year and the selection will be based on the performance of players at this Group 1 competition. Whoever qualifies will enjoy an expense-free travel, accommodation and meals. (MCB)
