Seronio, Lagunday share top honors in Jawad Cup

RP no.6 Isias Seronio made his debut in the 14th Erne Jawad Memorial Cup a very memorable one after winning the premier Men's Open crown yesterday at Elizabeth Mall's Activity Center.

Entering to the finals with a twice-to-beat advantage, Seronio's road to the throne was never easy as he was stretched to the limit by LOPPTA teammate Mark Francis Gimenez, who took the first game, 12-10, 8-11, 11-8, 11-6.

It was in the deciding battle that Serenio bounced back to close the action, 11-3, 11-5, 11-9.

Another LOPTTA bet, Marell Lagunday, made an impressive comeback in the Jawad Cup after several years of absence.

Lagunday, who last played three years ago, defeated another former top female paddler Lorinda Wadjad of Picole-Loco, 11-4, 11-8, 11-9.

While LOPTTA dominated the open division, Team Cebu City-University of Cebu dominated four other classes staked in the tournament.

Jay Eribert Impuesto lived up to expectations and won the boys 17-under category over teammate Jhinno Angelo Selma, 11-7, 9-11, 11-7, 11-6, as another bet Geofrey Apas claimed the bronze.

In the distaff side, Jennifer Jacalan silently worked her way up to win over teammate Maria Christine Ba-ay, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 while Hua Ching Foundation's Joana Gabunilas was third.

In the 12-under action, the Tormis siblings, Dannel Jay and Elona Dane dominated their respective categories.

Dannel Jay Tormis scored back-to-back victory over John Paul Ba-ay also of TCC as Soysoy Soriano ended third.

Dannel Jay's elder sister, Elona Dane, for her part, outsmarted Hua Ching's Hanna Arroyo in the girls class as another TCC entry, Gerlie Apas ended third in the event supported by the Cebu City Sports Commission, Elizabeth Mall, University of Cebu, Roel Simon Cerna and Harvest Metal, Arts and Craft through Ralfie Selma.

In the debuting hard bat action or the locally-known liha, Harold Logronio broke the heart of early-favorite Ronnie Bajarias to win the title.

Bajarias enjoyed twice-to-beat advantage but Logrio strongly challenged the top bet, pulling a 13-21, 21-15, 21-16 victory in the first games and sealing his bid, 21-17, 8-21, 21-19, in the second.

Edgar Mabatid closed his bid at third place after beating Al Povadora.