CELSO Cubio and Melody Intong emerged as as champions in their respective categories in the just-concluded 2nd Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (Tatap) Mindanao Junior Table Tennis Qualifying tournament held at the Smashville Fitness Center, Davao City.
Cubio, who is representing Tadeco-Spin Davao, clinched the boys singles 17-under title over Danhill Monares of Tagum City. Monares placed second instead while John Alcon Jerao and Abemar Jose of Cor Jesu College took the next two places.
Intong, who hails from Kidapawan, subdued Careshha Faye Bernaldez of Panabo City, to pocket the girl singles 17-under gold medal. Bernaldez got the silver while Lady Marie Lim salvaged the bronze.
Kidapawan City's Paolo Hernandez and Maria Kerstine Clauneth Peralta of Tagum City seized the cadet boys and girls singles titles, respectively.
Hernandez, for his part, outclassed Dave Morales of Kidapawan City in the finals. The latter placed second while Nereo Ocsio of Tatack-Serpents came third after beating Justine Savillaga of Tadeco-Panabo City.
Peralta overcame Hannes Babes Bambalan of Kidapawan in their titular clash.
Meanwhile, Yves Buhat and Lindy Marie Darlo of Spin Davao-Medatta stamped their rivals in cadet boys and girls 12-Under categories.
Buhat downed Peter Zambrano while Palarong Pambansa gold medalist Darlo hacked out a finals victory over Rona Mae Kismundo.
Darlo, in her Facebook post, wrote that she's very happy with her new achievement.
Lindy's Father and coach Lindie Darlo, in a text message to Sun.Star Davao said in the vernacular, "My efforts in teaching and guiding her were rewarded. She became an inspiration for other athletes in Marilog District. As a father to Lindy, I've always been proud and it's a challenge for us to continue to work harder."
Top four placers in all categories received medals and certificates.
The event was sponsored by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (Tatap) president Ting Ledesma, Metro Davao Table Tennis Association (Medatta), and Spin Davao Table Tennis Sports Center. (KRP)