Capadocia rips top seed, gains QF

MANILA, Philippines - Marian Capadocia pulled off a shock 6-1, 6-1 victory over top seed Kanika Vaida of India to barge into the quarterfinal round of the International Juniors Tennis Championship (ITF) junior’s Circuit Week 1 tournament at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center yesterday.

Capadocia outplayed her rival with superb all around game, breaking Vaida twice in both sets to take 4-0 leads en route to victory and a Last 8 duel with Briton Eden Silva, 6-0, 6-0.

“I didn’t expect to win very easy against her,” said Capadocia. “I’m sure tomorrow (today) will be tougher. I have to prepare.”

Tamitha Nguyen also advanced with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Taiwanese Ya-Hsuan Lee, while Jane Tanpoco outplayed Russian Anna Grigoryan, 6-2, 6-0.

Nguyen will face Japanese Miki Kobayashi, who clipped Filipino Jasmine Ho, 6-1, 6-3, while Tanpoco will go up against second seed Japanese Sanae Ohta, who beat British Helen Rabot, 6-2, 6-2. 

Nastassia Rubel of Belarus defeated Taiwan’s Zhi Huaneva Chen, 6-1, 6-0, to set up a duel with India’s Dina Karina, who beat Angelina Skidanova of Russia, 6-2, 6-3.

In boys singles, Korean Ku Keon Kang trounced Taiwan’s Kuan Yi Lee, 6-1, 6-3, and French Tristan Meraut disposed of Chan Hwi Shin of Korea, 6-4, 6-1.

The tournament is backed by Philippine Investment Management Inc. (Phinma), ATP Head balls, ITF, Philippine Tennis Association, Smart Sports, ICTSI, Viva Mineral Water, Powerade Energy Drink, Chris Sports, ATP, Century Park Hotel and Philippine Sports Commission.