CEBU - Francis Largo reaffirmed his mastery of Michael Quiñones but had to go through a three-set thriller before romping off with the championship trophy in the elite men’s Open A category of the 2008 Lapu-Lapu City Fiesta Tennis Tournament dubbed as “1st Mayor Arturo “Boy” Radaza Cup last Sunday at the city’s tennis courts.
Thus, Largo proved that his 10-4 victory over Quiñones in their exhibition match that kicked off the month-long tilt in late October was no fluke.
Largo preyed on Quiñones’ spate of costly miscues to clinch the first set, 6-4. Quiñones changed his strategy in the second frame by applying powerful forehand and high-bouncing shots. That worked effectively, enabling Quiñones to get even with Largo, 6-4, and forge a rubbermatch.
In the deciding set, the two protagonists figured in an intense showdown that thrilled the spectators to the bones. Largo again toyed on Quiñones’ unforced errors to jump off to a sizzling 3-0 start.
But Quiñones flashed anew his never-say-die spirit and fought back with savvy to knot the count at 3-all. Largo, however, did not wilt under pressure and went on to humble the slightly favored Quiñones via a 6-4 decision.
Event organizer and city councilor Junard “Ahong” Chan was on hand to award the cash prizes and trophies to both players. Also present was tournament director Junjun Clarito.
In the C Minus action, Nanding Sagaral and and Val Rayas of GMC Tennis Club barged into the semifinal round after ousting Mario Amores and Rene Abrea of the Mactan Island Lawn Tennis Sports Club, Inc. (MILTSCI), 8-4. Greg Molina and Obing Galario also advanced with an 8-6 drubbing of Tambis and Portacion of Maribago TC.
Raymund Sambas and Mike Odi of Timex TC, on the other hand, proceeded into the C Plus quarterfinals after pulling off a nerve-wracking 8-7 win over Norman Pesodas and Arnold Amodia.
The Mayor Radaza tennis is among the major highlights of the annual fiesta celebration of Lapu-Lapu City in honor of its beloved patroness Virgen de la Regla (Our Lady of the Rule) on November 20-21. The championship games in other categories will be contested on November 23. – EBV (THE FREEMAN)