CEBU, Philippines - India-bound Jurence Mendoza showed he’s ready for his next Junior Davis Cup assignment after he stunned seeded no. 11 Antonio Sagansay in the 4th Cebuana Lhuillier Men’s Open Tennis Championships yesterday at the Baseline tennis courts.
The teenager Mendoza humiliated Sagansay, 6-0, 6-0 to advance into the round of 16.
Mendoza’s teammate Kyle Joseph was not as lucky as the latter bowed to Juvan Divinagracia, 6-3,6-0.
Cebuano Jacob Lagman, the third Junior Davis Cupper seeing action in the tournament, is yet to play against qualifier Roy Tabotabo.
Another Cebuano bet in Amiel Aya-ay tried for an hour and 35 minutes to keep his bid alive, but could only do as much with Rommel Openiano taking the victory away from him, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0.
Wild card entry, Calvin Canlas and his brother Christia had a bad day as Aya-ay after both of them crumbled before their foes.
Calvin Canlas bowed to Archie Maño, 6-2,6-3 while Christian lost to Ronard Joven, 6-4,6-0.
The organizers are hoping that the weather cooperates until the event is over although Alta Vista has already been considered as a possible venue in case it rains hard again just to make sure the battle will be done as scheduled.
Yesterday’s action also saw Alexander Lazaro, Ahmad Armama and Kenneth Salvo moving into the second round. Lazaro pulled off a 7-5, 6-2 win, Armama kicked away Peter Egos, 6-1, 6-3 while Salvo outsmarted Leo Laping, 6-4,6-2.
Aya-ay hopes to bounce back after qualifying in the doubles competition along with Ryan Montalbo.
The other Cebuanos who qualified in the doubles are Franklin Encarnacion along with John Altiche, Roy Tabotabo with Leo Laping and Dodo Lasa with Peter Egos.
Jacob Lagman will also be playing in the doubles alongside Jurence Mendoza, while Babaw Tiongko opted to play in the doubles with Adonis Lominoque while the other India-bound player, Kyle Joseph pairs with Calvin Canlas.
Johnny Arcilla and PJ Tierro will once again team up with each other as they seek back-to-back titles, while Elbert Anasta plays alongside Ronard Joven. (FREEMAN)