Kintanar, Salimbangon book q'final spots in Gullas tennis

CEBU, Philippines - Krissianne Kintanar joined Cebu's tennis princess Sally Mae Siso and two others into the girls 18-under quarterfinals of the 17th Gullas Cup yesterday at Cebu International Tennis Centre, Inc. (CITCI) courts in Laray, Consolacion.

But unlike Siso who need not to break a sweat as her opponent did not show up in their scheduled match, Kintanar had to overcome a spirited challenge by Christine Bellita before pounding out a 6-1, 7-6 victory.

Hannah Grace Espinosa and Glory Faith Bohol also advanced after trouncing separate foes. Espinosa beat Nathalie Alipe to the pulp, 6-0, 6-0, while Bohol dismantled Edelweiss Donaire, 6-4, 6-1.

In the boys 18 division, Jarred Laurel, Elbert Bacon, Mark Norman Enriquez and Aaron James Suyco proceeded into the round of 16.

Laurel ousted Edgar Nino Balanag, 6-1, 6-1, while Bacon came up with a 6-0, 6-1 blowout victory over Jay Frank Acaso.

Enriquez slammed Clyde Bienes, 6-1, 6-4, while Suyco had to wade through rough waters before fending off Joma Bautista, 7-5, 6-2.

In the boys 12 class, Cesar Kristopher Salimbangon, Enrique Luis Ong, Francis Hidalgo, Francis Lambayan and Nino Saraga stormed into the final eight.

Salimbangon pulled off a 6-2, 6-4 triumph over Christopher Joseph Mag-uyon, while Lambayan, one of the early title favorites, whipped Rey Dante Toledo, 6-3, 6-1 triumph.

Manila’s Ong walloped Lemuel Garbosa, 6-4, 6-2, while Saraga elbowed out Kent Billy Gelbuena, 6-3, 6-0 in the Group 2 PHILTA-sanctioned event considered as one of the best-run and longest age-group tennis tournaments in the country. (FREEMAN)