MANILA, Philippines – Fourth seed Alberto Villamor saved his best for last and smothered third-ranked Juan Gabriel Peña, 6-2, 6-2, to capture the 18-and-under crown in the second First Gen Juntaphil Metro Age Group Tennis Championships at the Rizal Memorial tennis courts yesterday.
It was a big win for Villamor, who came into the final oozing with confidence after scoring a walkover win over Juan Fidel Regis. He downed Rhett Martinez, 6-3, 6-0, in the second round, then foiled the upset bid of seventh seed Pemrick Alina, 6-4, 6-4, in the quarterfinal round.
Also making it to the winners’ podium were top seed Eric Olivarez Jr., who defeated Christian San Andres, 6-4, 6-4, in the 12-and-under final, and No. 1 Mimo Tomacruz, who disposed of Cenon Gonzales, 6-2, 6-1, to claim the 10-unisex diadem.
Sisters Marian and Charito Capadocia also shone in the girls’ side. Marian came from a set down to repulse Akiko de Guzman, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, to cop the 14-and-under title while the latter downed Colleen Sioson, 6-4, 6-4, to bag the 12-and-under crown in the event sponsored by Smart Communications and presented by First Gen Corp.
Meanwhile, top seed Jasmine Ho outclassed Joanna Peña, 6-1, 6-0, in the quarters, and Erdilyn Peralta, 6-3, 6-1, in the semis to reach the championship round of the girls’ 18-and-under category of the event sanctioned by Philta and organized by the Junior Tennis Association of the Philippines (Juntaphil). Wilson is the official ball.
Louise Lopez and Shannin Olivarez will dispute the 16-and-under title after beating Marian Capadocia, 6-1, 6-3, and de Guzman, 5-6 (Ret.), respectively.
In boys’ 16-and-under class, top seed Kyle Parpan survived Raymark Gulfo, 7-6 (4), 2-6, (10-6) to arrange a title showdown with Betto Orendain, who thumped Neil Paez, 6-2, 6-2.
Orendain also reached the final of the 14-and-under category as he dominated Eric Olivarez, Jr., 6-0, 6-2. He faces John Mavrick Victoria, who upended third ranked Kyle Parpan, 6-2, 1-6, 6-3.