Iggy Pantino rules tennisfest in Manila

CEBU, Philippines - After in just half a month of training under the Philippine Tennis Academy, young Cebuano Arthur Craig “Iggy” Pantino is already starting to see positive results as he won the boys’12-under title of the Olivares PHILTA Open Championships in Manila.

In order to improve his skills further, the young Cebuano together with his parents decided move to Manila earlier this month to undergo intensive training under the PTA.

Under the PTA, he and his parents get free food, shelter as well as free training for a couple of years among other things that had been agreed upon.

The Pantinos though would want to stay loyal to Cebu and his school, the University of San Carlos-South that they made arrangement with the school to just go on with a home-study program and not necessarily transferring to another school in Manila.

Although Pantino had to study away from a classroom set-up, he’s willing to sacrifice and promises to balance academics and tennis.

Last weekend, Pantino bagged the boys’12-under title of the Olivares Cup, a group 1-PHILTA sanctioned event with an upset victory against top seeded Jerome Romualdez, 6-2, 6-1.

Prior to meeting Romualdez in the final battle, Pantino only seventh seed in the tournament posted an impressive performance in all his games.

After enjoying a first round bye, the PTA and Prince sponsored Pantino posted a 6-1, 6-1 win against John Bulilan in the second round and Gabriel Tiamson in the third, 6-0, 6-2.

In the quarterfinal round, Pantino dumped seeded no.5 Miko Eala, 6-1,6-1 before finishing off seeded no.2Cenon Gonzales, 6-2, 6-0 to face Romualdez in the championship.

Pantino is the lone Cebuano who played in the tournament. (FREEMAN)