Martin bags 2 crowns in Tordesillas Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Tennis prodigy Jake Martin annexed two titles in varying fashions, fighting back from a set down to repulse Mik Balce for the boys’ 12-and-under crown then sweeping Justin Prulla for the 14-and-under diadem in the first Anthony Tordesillas Memorial Cup at the Manila Polo Club over the weekend.

Martin, who has racked up victories in various age-group tournaments last summer, including the Juntaphil Baguio leg and the Philta Palawan Regional, struggled against Balce in the early going, dropping the opening set but rallying to draw level. He then outlasted his rival in the super tiebreak for a 1-6, 6-4, 10-2 victory in the 12-and-under finals. 

Sustaining his form, Martin later shocked the fancied Justine Prulla in the 14-and-under finals, keeping him out of synch with his power game en route to a big 6-3, 6-3 victory.

It was Martin’s sixth 12-and-under crown in the year while booking his first-ever 14-under diadem halfway through the season.