Rodolfo brods score early in PCSO netfest

Brothers Michael and Adrian Rodolfo of Amoranto Club blasted separate rivals at the start of the PCSO-first President’s Cup Table Tennis Championships yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Michael Rodolfo made short work of Jed Chua, 3-0, in the boys’ 12-under as younger brother Adrian also blanked Jetro Yatco, 3-0, in the boys’ 10-under.

An elaborate opening ceremony preceded the games with TATAP president Victor Valbuena and comedian Bearwin doing the ceremonial serve.

"This tournament aims to repackage the sport of table tennis as a game for the young ones and the young once alike," said Valbuena.

Aside from the boys’ 10 and 12-under, also on tap in the four-day tournament sponsored by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes are the boys’ 14 and 17-under, girls’ 10, 12, 14 and 17-under, men’s 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60-under, women’s 20 and 25-under, men’s 61 above and the women’s 25-above.

A special "Liha" event is also lined up where players use sandpaper as paddle cover.

National players led by Ernesto Ebuen and Sendrina Balatbat are only allowed to play in the men’s and women’s open.

The oldest player to join is 84-year-old Jose Mabanta of La Loma Club.

He is set to see action today in the 61-above. "Maganda ang epekto ng table tennis sa akin. Maliksi pa rin ako hanggang ngayon," said Mabanta whose first and only trophy was his 1993 victory in Class C category in La Loma Club’s yearly tourney.