Three Cebu netters clinch tickets to Malaysian event

Three of Cebu's top junior netters struck gold yesterday as they ruled their respective divisions in the Milo National Qualifying Tournament at the Phil-Am Homes tennis courts in Parañaque City.

The victory of Cebuanos Sally Mae and Bernardine 'Niño' Siso of the University of San Carlos and Jacob Lagman of St. Benedict Childhood Education Center earned them a slot to the prestigious Malaysian Junior Tennis Circuit slated in December.

This is the second stint of Sally Mae, who had a successful stint last year after bagging three titles.

Niño, who missed last year's qualifying after suffering swollen eyes, will be seeing action in his first international competition along with Lagman.

It was hard labor for Sally Mae as she had to battle a first set loss before stunning perennial rival and PHILTA rank number 1 Zhane Quitara for two and a half hours before topping the girls 14-bracket.

Sally has never won her previous four matches against Quitara.

The 11-year old Sally Mae, who is currently the country's no. 6 raced to a 1-5 score in the opening set and tied the match 5-all but still fell short for a 6-7 loss.

However, Sally Mae gallantly bounced back pulling out a 6-1 win over Quitara, who already showed signs of exhaustion.

In the deciding match, Sally Mae was already on the top of her game as Quitara eventually lost her steam and conceded the game, 9-5, for the crown.

"Naka bintaha si Sally kay taas og hangin, karon pa niya napilde si Quitara. Grabe ang preparation every night ang practice," said Sally's father and trainor Dino Siso.

Niño, for his part, also treaded a difficult path as Lorenzo Ferrer proved to be a tough opponent in the boys-12, scoring a 6-4, 7-5 win.

"Nag lisod sad si Nino sa una, daan pa gahapon gitun-an iyang lihok, medyo nabalde lang ang kontra," added Siso.

The 10-year Lagman, on the other hand, experienced little resistance from Khadi Jainul of Mindanao as he only needed 35 minutes to finish off the game, 6-1, 6-0, for the title in the unisex 10-under.

The three Cebuanos will be joined by Martina Guba of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental and Roman Floreza in the tour in Malaysia, who won the 12 girls and 14-boys, respectively.

"Big challenge kaayo ni kay mas daghan ang countries nga mo apil karon apil ang mga number one players sa Australia and Russia. Mas double na ang practice ani," added Siso.