Carreon upends Motel in Erne Jawad tablenetfest

Neilben “Tata” Carreon completed a comeback in style by defeating defending champion Michael Motel in the open division of the 16th Erne Jawad Memorial Table Tennis Championship at Elizabeth Mall Activity Center last night.

The 30-year-old Carreon, who returned to table tennis after his stint in billiards, beat Motel in a thrilling five-setter, 6-11,11-7,11-8,7-11,11-9, for his first title in the tournament after four tries.

Cherry Tiongco, the last player standing among LOPTTA-Bacolod’s bets emerged as the women’s open champion by defeating USC’s coach Lorinda Wadjad, 11-3, 5-11, 11-7, 14-12. UC’s Mary Grace Motel claimed third place honors by winning over younger sister, Mary Angelie, 11-8, 11-6, 11-6.

Another UC player, Jennifer Jacalan, whom Tiongco disposed off in the women’s open quarterfinals exacted revenge on the latter by winning the girls’17-under title,11-5, 5-11, 4-11, 12-10,11-7.

Jhinno Angelo Selma also of UC won the boys’17-under title over Bacolod’s Noah Trayco, 13-11, 11-4, 13-11.

The Apas siblings, Geofrey and Girly claimed the third place in the 17-under division after defeating Edward Obong Jr,11-6,11-9,13-15,11-13,11-4 and Elona Dane Tormis,11-5,13-11,3-11,7-11,12-10 respectively.

John Paul Baay and Kaye Pepito topped the tough 12-under division. Baay pulled a five-setter against Dannel Jay Tormis, 11-9,8-11,11-8,7-11,13-11. Pepito beat  Rose Angelie San Juan of Sacred School-Jesuit, 9-11,11-4,11-8,10-12,11-4.