THE Lopue's Team headed by their president Dr. Leonito "Diotay" Lopue made an impressive performance by winning the coveted team event category in the recently concluded 2nd Metta CUP held at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila last April 22-25.
The Lopue's Team of Mark Francis Jimenez, Celjun Ortalla, and Arnie Uy captured the championship crown by beating host METTA Team A of Yolando Tano, Richard Ching and Jackson Que in the finals (3-1).
The team event category drew a total of 34 teams from all over the country including a strong team from Indonesia.
On the way to the championship, the Lopue's team defeated DLSU (3-0) and Verlen Cavite (3-0) in the elimination round, Metta B (3-1) in the round of 16, Hua Ching (3-0) in the quarterfinals, and made an upset victory over powerhouse Indonesia (3-2) in the semis before winning the championship against Metta A.
Aside from the team event category, the tournament also showcased top players from all over the country in their respective age group categories.
Lopue's bet Francis Garganian in the Boy's 12 and under category event managed to win a silver medal in the tightly contested category won by Indonesian Anang Apriyanto (3-2).
Rose Jean Fadol and Benjielyn Dayap of Lopue's team also won 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up honors, respectively, in the Girl's 17 and under category.
Fadol lost to RP no. 1 player Ian Lariba of Andro (3-0) in the finals.
Jimenez also won 2nd runner-up honors in the Men's Singles non-rank category which drew a total of 84 players in the said event only.
The said prestigious tournament was organized by METTA (Metropolitan Table Tennis Association) president Mr. Ting Ledesma and was supported by Annona Corporation, Mae Gas Refilling Plant & Marketing, Sonia Trading (www.soniatrading.com.ph) and Topcoms/Star Sports Korea (www.topph.com).
Awarding ceremony was attended by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Harry Angping and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.