Saladaga, Salutillo rule Cortes tablenetfest

CEBU, Philippines - Ruel Saladaga and Agot Salutillo retained their respective titles in the 17-under category of the 3rd Mayor Jonas Cortes Cup Table Tennis Tournament the other day at the Mandaue City Plaza Square.

Saladaga recovered from a second-set breakdown to outsmart Soy Soriano in four sets, 11-7, 6-11, 11-8, 13-11 and take home the boys crown.

In the distaff side, Salutillo shrugged off an opening set jitters with aplomb to tame Hana Jane Arroyo also in four sets 4-11, 11-8, 11-2, 11-3.

Ian Ray Combate and Glacy Suico claimed the third place honors.

In the women’s 18-above division, Ellen Ramirez defended her throne but not without going through a five-set thriller before fending off a very game Glacy Suico, 11-8, 7-11, 8-11, 11-5, 11-8.

Geoffrey Apas snatched the men’s 18-above crown after whipping Soy Soriano in three sets, 11-3, 11-8, 11-5.

Ruel Saladaga and Angelie San Juan occupied the third spots.

In the newly-introduced 13-under class, Vincent Salera and Faye Angel reigned supreme in the boys and girls divisions, respectively.

Salera, armed with twice-to-beat advantage, was pushed to the limit after Jovic John Latumba prevailed in their first encounter, 11-7, 11-7, 9-11, 11-9.

Salera, however, made the necessary adjusments to lash back at Latumba in their sudden-death duel,10-12, 11-5, 11-7, 11-7.

In the girls finals, Angel met little resistance in trouncing Katrina Wenceslao, 11-8, 11-7, 11-4.

Mark Azucenas and Anna Mikaela Torre were the third placers.    (FREEMAN NEWS)