Athlete of the month for May: Vince Marc Tabotabo

He used to get bored playing lawn tennis in their hometown in Tuburan, but the constant prodding and encouragement of his father-coach Titus produced positive effects for Vince Marc Tabotabo, currently one of Cebu’s most promising netters.

The former top player in the unisex 10-under stormed into the limelight when he bagged a title in last month’s Laguna Creek Junior Open at the Laguna Creek Racquet Club in Elk Grove, California.

The 11-year-old Tabotabo clobbered American Avery Moor with uniform scores of 6-4, 6-4 to clinch the boys 11 crown. Moor was described by Asian Journal as bigger and the more experienced player.

Tabotabo’s latest triumph in the United States proved that hardwork, dedication, and perseverance are essential elements in minting a champion player.

Last year, Tabotabo joined the Little Mo tennis tournament in the US, but went home empty-handed.

In his return to the US, Tabotabo readily bounced back by winning the 2008 Little Mo sectionals in Folsom.

That paved the way for his entry into the Little Mo National Finals later this year, the biggest challenge for aspiring netters in the US.

If plans don’t miscarry, Tabotabo will travel back to the US next month to join another competition, this time in Chicago. – Caecent No-ot Magsumbol