Eala scores twin romps in Toby's netfest

MANILA, Philippines - Michael Eala pulled off a pair of victories in contrasting fashions to annex the 10-unisex and the boys’ 12-under titles in the Toby’s-Prince Summer Tennis Festival at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center last Sunday.

Eala held off Alexander Bulilan, 6-3, 6-4, to pocket the 10-unisex crown in a big follow-up to his title romp in the recent First Gen/Juntaphil Metro Age Group tournament then repulsed Mahmod Dimakuta, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, in the 12-under finals of the tournament sponsored by Toby’s and Prince.

In other results, Akiko de Guzman went through a wringer before subduing Samantha Coyiuto, 3-6, 6-2, 7-6(2), for the girls’ 18-under crown while LA Canizares dominated Eric Olivarez Jr., 6-1, 6-4, to bag the boys’ 16-under plum in the weeklong event backed by Futures Tennis Foundation, Adidas, Nike, Thermos, Equipe, Fruit Magic, SGM Bikes, Mellow Touch 94.7 and Total Fitness.

Other winners in the event were Ma. Frances Santiago, Jenni Dizon and Anne Castillo.

Santiago toppled Camille So, 7-6, 2-1 (ret.) to cop the girls’ 12-under title; Dizon surprised top seed Maia Balce, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4), to snatch the girls’ 14-under diadem; while Anne Castillo stopped Nicole Eugenio, 6-3, 6-4, to bag the girls’ 16-under plum.

All winners in the weeklong tournament, put up by Toby’s and Prince to help develop the sport and provide a venue for the country’s junior players, also gained ranking points.

In the accompanying non-ranking tournament for beginners, Luciano Vivas beat Ralph Fernandez, 8-5, for the boys’ 16-under title; Carl Tenorio thwarted Jose San Buenaventura, 8-4, for the boys’ 12-under crown; Marienne San Jose edged Danica Bautista, 8-6, for the girls’ 16-under plum; and Marielli Cruz took the girls’ 12-under diadem with an 8-1 romp over Anjelle Manio.