PTA netters dominate Viet int'l meet

MANILA, Philippines - Tamitha Nguyen and Jurence Mendoza pulled off victories in contrasting fashions as the Philippine Tennis Academy junior stalwarts ruled their respective divisions in the Vietnam International Prudential Cup in Bac Lieu, Vietnam recently.

Nguyen fought back from an opening set loss and 2-5 down in the deciding set to turn back Sweden’s top junior Jacqueline Cabajawad, 3-6, 6-0, 7-5, and capture the ladies crown in the ITF (International Tennis Federation) 18-under category.

“Hard work and conditioning paid off down the stretch,” said PTA coach Jun Toledo. “Despite down 2-5 in the third set, it was obvious that Tami was the stronger player physically and that spelled the difference.”

The victory was a big follow-up to Nguyen’s title romp in the Vietnam Becamex Cup, marking the first time that a Filipino player has won back-to-back ITF tournaments.

While Nguyen needed three sets to stop her rival, Mendoza dominated doubles partner Kaewsuto of Thailand, 6-4, 6-4, to clinch the boys’ crown. Mendoza and Kaewsuto earlier upended the top seeded Chinese Taipei pair in a thrilling three-set duel to bag the doubles title.

“Jurence has settled down with his game and he’s ready for a breakout ITF season next year,” said Toledo of his ward, who is set to compete next in the Grade 3 Sarawak’s Minister Cup in Kuching, Malaysia.

Nguyen’s twin victories will improve her ITF ranking to 200 and she is expected to crack the top 100 by year’s end, according to Toledo.

The PTA elite’s ITF campaign overseas is sponsored by Rommie Chan, Oscar Hilado, Jean Henry Lhuillier and backed by Philta as part of its junior development program.