Abarquez survives Sierra in DRB netfest

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano netter Israel ‘RJ' Abarquez was pushed to the limit before clearing his first round assignment in the 1st DRB Men’s Tennis Open yesterday at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club.

The second-ranked Abarquez got the surprise of himself after he met strong resistance from the gritty Joseph Sierra before walking away with a precarious 10-8 victory.

On the other hand, title favorite Francis Largo met little trouble in wiping out Jim Cabaluna, 10-2. In sharp contrast, Jayvee Canoy went through rough waters before getting past opening day double winner Roy Tabotabo, 10-9 (7-4).

Kennex Abadia of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, for his part, made it two wins in a row after pummeling Jade Labaya, 10-1.

The other victors yesterday were Amiel Aya-ay against Edwin Bacarisas, 10-4, Christian Tiongco over Jicjic Bohol, 10-6 and Junjun Tabura against James Dumuran, 10-3.

Exciting battle resumes today at the said venue. The tournament runs until January 29, with the crossover semis and finals to be played at the Pardo Tennis Club.

It serves as a tune-up match for the National Collegiate Games in Manila next month and for the Palarong Pambansa this summer.

The champion will receive P10,000, while the second to fourth will take home P5,000, P2,500 and P1,500, respectively.   (FREEMAN NEWS)