Koreans frustrate local aces in Asian U-14 tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Chung Yun-seong and Kim Soo-min bested the country’s leading junior netters with a pair of victories to cap the South Koreans’ domination of the Mariposa Foundation Cup Presented by the Philippine Tennis Academy ATF 14-Under Series at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center yesterday.

Chung used a variety of shots to stun the top-seeded Albert Lim Jr., 6-4. 6-2, and capture the boys’ crown in the week-long event sponsored by the PTA and backed by ATP Head as official balls.

Kim, on the other hand, edged Isabella Orteza in the first set then overpowered the second seeded Filipina in the next to complete a 7-6(2), 6-0 victory in the girls’ finals sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association.

The Korean aces also gained 300 ATF points while Lim and Orteza settled for 200 ranking points.

On hand during the awards rites were Philta president Rep. Edwin Olivarez, ATF Juniors chair Ajay Pathak, and Oscar Hilado and Rommie Chan of the Philippine Tennis Academy.

Chung also booted out second seed Daniel Villaseñor, 6-1, 6-1, in the semifinals then broke Lim once in the opening set before outplaying the Letran freshman in the second to fashion out the straight-set romp.

On his way to the finals, the unranked Chung upset No. 5 Miguel dela Paz, 6-0, 6-2, then scored a pair of 6-2, 6-1 victories over Dave Mosqueda and No. 4 Eric Olivarez, Jr.

Chung’s win over Lim also avenged his compatriot Park Ji-hun’s setback to the top Filipino bet, 6-1, 6-4, in the semis.

Like Chung, Kim never dropped a set en route to the championship, beating Rose San Jose, 6-0, 6-1, in the first round before stunning top seed Roxanne Resma, 6-2, 6-2. She also toppled No. 8 Samantha Um, 6-0, 6-0, before overwhelming No. 7 Ri Sumire, 6-2, 6-2, in the semis.