Japanese netters topple UP bets

MANILA, Philippines - Toyo Gakuen University struck back in the second day of action in the Philippines-Japan University Friendship Tennis ’09, beating University of the Philippines, 7-5, at the Alabang Country Club Monday.

The Japanese girls dropped the opening singles match but bounced back to sweep the next three singles matches.

Zhane Quitara provided the lone victory for UP, trouncing Ayaka Iwata, 6-4, in the second of four dual meets.

The Ateneo netters bested Toyo Gakuen, 7-5, in last Sunday’s opener. The Japanese will also be up against La Salle, to be led by members of the reigning UAAP men’s champion team.

The Japanese college team caps its stint here against the national pool squad in friendly matches at the Palms Country Club today.

Dennis Vitaliano and Leandro Fernandez beat Ryohei Okada and Kazuhiro Hashima, 8-5. UP’s top tandem James Pang and Julian Mendoza made it 2-0 after nipping Shohei Maruta and Kazuto Kawata, 8-7 (6).

But Toyo Gakuen’s girls team took both the doubles matches with Kana Morimoto and Ayaka Iwata drubbing Karen Guillermo and Bea Fabregas, 8-4, and Yumiko Watanabe and Kurumi Suzuki beating Natasha Gaston and Zhane Quitara, 8-4.

Suzuki next blanked Kim Guillermo, 6-0, to spark the visiting squad’s romp in girls singles. Watanabe likewise drubbed JV Custodio, 6-0, while Morimoto ripped Natasha Gaston, 6-1.

Toyo Gakuen’s top guy Shohei Maruta defeated UP’s James Pang, 6-4, while Kazuhiro Hashima toppled Austin Chan, 6-1, in the boys singles.

But Radha Reyes and Dennis Vitaliano balanced it out after winning over Ryohei Okada (6-2) and Kazuto Kawata (6-0), respectively.