Tuesday, May 27, 2008 After US sojourn, Tabotabo joins Gullas Cup
TALLER and with skin that has become a lot fairer, Tuburan’s 11-year-old tennis prodigy, Vince Marc Tabotabo, is back in Cebu after a two-month sojourn in the US to showcase what he does best—play tennis.
Height and skin color, however, were not the only things that changed in his brief but significant stay in California as he also improved his power. And with more powerful strikes, Tabotabo is expected to figure dominantly in the 13th Gullas Cup.
“He was able to play against stronger and bigger players, which greatly developed his skills,” said his father and coach Titus. The two arrived last Saturday and will be paying Governor Gwen Garcia and Vice Governor Greg Sanchez a visit to thank them for the support they lend for Vince Marc’s US trip.
Tabotabo enjoyed a bye in yesterday’s opening day, being the top-seeded player in the Boys 12 division. He will be taking on Carl Cathedral in today’s second round at the Cebu Country Club.
Quarterfinal
Meanwhile, over at the Casino Español tennis courts, Jessica Lagman defeated Vincee Stephanie Sanchez, 6-3, 6-4, to advance to the quarterfinal round of the Girls 16 division.
Lagman arranged a quarterfinal meeting with top-seeded player Cindy Gerapusco. Sallydine Siso also booked a quarterfinal seat after an easy 6-0, 6-0 win over Khylle Longakit. She is set to take on Bianca Cenabre today.
Second-ranked player Kristel Mae Buenacosa, on the other hand, moved to the round- of-8 after defeating Lenette Palasan, 6-1, 6-1. The other quarterfinalists in this division are Rosemarie Sanchez, Anna Vienna Bienes and Ronalyn Singson.
Also, yesterday’s opening saw a parade of unseeded players earning slots to the next round. First to move to the next round of the 10 –Under unisex was Tabotabo’s cousin Derek, who needed three sets before defeating Rafael Arpon, 7-5, 4-6, 10-8. He is set to face second-seed Jason Lauron today.
The other netters earning slots to the next round were Harvey Klein Gilbuena, who defeated Ma. Sheena Camporedondo, 6-0, 6-0; Zethley Mae Alferez, who defeated Jamel Ondoy in three sets, 7-5, 3-6, 10-8; Denis Kay Alote, who thrashed Arthur Craig Pantino, 6-4, 6-2; Germaine Laurel, who flogged Joanne Zamora, 6-0, 6-3 and Christopher Encarnacion, who ousted Hardy Montecillo, 7-5, 6-1.
In the Boys 14 division, Janil Troy Pinot earned a slot to the second round after a masterful 6-3, 6-2 win over Dale Bienes. He is up for a tall order as he set a second round outing with the top player Jacob Lagman today. (MCB)
