The visiting Team Makati beat Hua Ching B 3-1 to emerge victorious in the 7th Hua Ching Foundation Table Tennis Championships at Hua Ching Foundation in Cabancalan, Mandaue City, the other day.
Makati’s SEA Games bet Ernesto Ebuen silenced Jongjong Ortalla in straight sets 11-3, 11-5, 11-3 for the team’s first win.
Hua Ching, however, evened the count after another SEA Games athlete; Richard Gonzales overwhelmed Gigi Aguinalde 11-5, 11-8, 11-9.
Japhet Adaza gave Makati a 2-1 lead by outlasting Glenn Rodriguez in four sets 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 11-8. Ebuen then sealed Makati’s victory by beating stubborn Gonzalez 11-9, 11-8, 14-12.
Deposed champion Hua Ching A, with Julius Esposo, Lauro Crisostomo and Jason Rodriguez settled for third after beating Henbert Ortalla, Soronio and Champ Nanaman of Dot. PH.
Nanaman, a student of the University of the Philippines-Manila, made his school proud by ruling the scholar’s single event, whipping Japhet Adaza in a thrilling five-setter 11-8, 9-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9.
Michael Paña took third place honors after beating Jason Rodriguez, in another five-set match 6-11, 9-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-4.—Caecent No-ot Magsumbol