Canlas cops TMS tennis title

Ateneo’s Christian Canlas led the winners in the TMS Ships Agencies Juniors Tennis Championships last Sunday at the Villa Gloria outdoor courts in Angeles City.

Canlas bagged the boys’ 14-under crown after posting a 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory over schoolmate Daniel Luis Macalino.

Olongapo City’s Nico Riego De Dios won the boys’ 18-under and 16-under titles. The 15-year-old Nico, younger brother of La Salle player Donn, rallied past Angeles City’s Christian Cuarto, 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (7), to pocket the 18-under and later annexed the 16-under title following 6-2, 6-2, decision over Davao City’s Ralph Barte.

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte’s Patrick Arevalo beat Lourdes School’s Gerard Michael Ngo, 5-7, 6-4, 6-1, to capture the boys’ 12-under title in this event sponsored by Dunlop balls.

La Salle’s Berry Sepulveda won the girls’ 18-under title over Lucena City’s Bien Zoleta, 6-3, 6-3, but Bien Zoleta bounced back in the 16-under finals by winning the title over Legazpi City’s Catherine Flores, 6-2, 6-3.

Bien’s younger sister Bambi outclassed Jessica Agra, 6-0, 6-3, for the girls’ 14-under title while Sarah Jane Lim was crowned 12-under champion after demolishing Jia Elesis, 6-0, 6-0.

Philta’s next tournament will be held on Feb. 22-23 and Feb. 28-May 2 at the Alina Tennis Center and AERA courts in San Pablo City. Players who wish to join may register at the Philta office (tel. 525-6434).