Cariga tows Head first-day winners

MANILA, Philippines - Boys’ 16-and-under top seed Hakeem Cariga started the 14th Smart Presents the HEAD 2012 junior national tennis age-group satellite circuit first leg in Davao City on a high note by whipping his rival Sunday at the GSIS tennis courts in Davao City.

Cariga routed Mico Alpas, 6-1, 6-1, to move in the second round of the satellite junior tennis tournament that also provides ranking points from the Philippine Tennis Association, the country’s highest governing body in tennis.

“I’m hoping to sustain my performance. I hope to win a crown,” said Cariga, who is expected to face tough oppositions in the ongoing tournament. “But that won’t be easy because there are many competitive players now.”    

In other boys’ 16-under results, Mico Ringia rallied past Nico Lanzado, 1-6, 6-2, 10-8, while Dale Nico Gorospe defeated Jaffary Cariga, 7-5, 1-6, 10-5, to also move in the second round of the tournament participated in by 180 players.