Pantino gains in Asian 14-U elims

MANILA, Philippines - Local bet Arthur Craig Pantino and Marvin Carlos Palomino of Spain fashioned out a pair of one-sided victories to clinch berths in the Mariposa Foundation Cup Presented by the Philippine Tennis Academy ATF 14-Under Series at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Pantino overwhelmed Christian Sarmiento, 6-1, 6-0, while Palomino scored the same rout over Enrico Luis Ong in the two-day qualifiers.

Also making it to the main draw of the event, sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) and backed by ATP Head as official balls, are Dave Sebastian Mosqueda and Palomino’s brother Pedro Diego.

Mosqueda blanked Chris Justine Prulla, 6-0, 6-0, while Pedro Palomino held off Miguel Jacob Cabarrus, 6-2, 6-3.

However, Pedro Palomino’s match with Manuel Balce III later in the day was called off due to rain.

Meanwhile, the sign-in for main draw will be held today (Monday) from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Philta office c/o Thai referee Wannawit Srirasa.

Action heats up tomorrow with the staging of the main draw of the event, which features the country’s future stars. Other events on tap are the girls singles and the boys and girls doubles.