Saraza, Arevalo cop Palawan tennis crowns

MANILA, Philippines - Top seeds Chloe Mae Saraza and Elijah Arevalo played true to form and dominated their respective rivals with the former sweeping three titles in the Palawan Pawnshop regional age-group 2013 presented by Babolat in Lucena City yesterday.

Saraza, winner of the 14-and-under crown in the circuit’s Cainta leg last week, clipped Kiim Aquino with her superb all-around game, fashioning out a 6-2, 6-2 romp to claim the girls’ 18-and-U title at the Ouans Worth Resort courts.

She earlier whipped Minnette Bentillo, 6-1, 6-1, in the 14-and-U finals before toppling Ysay Jardeleza 6-0, 6-4, to bag the 16-and-U plum in the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and Babolat.

Arevalo turned in a more impressive performance, blanking No. 2 Miko Jalago, 6-0, 6-0, to pocket the boys’ 18-and-U diadem. He actually came from a tough 6-3, 1-6, 10-5 win over Edmar Adormeo in the semis but flashed top form against Jalago to complete a golden double in the tournament jointly put up by Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro, and Technosports president Guillermo Nocom as part of their community service and at the same time keep the youth busy this summer.

Arevalo also took the 16-and-U crown with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Manuel Balce III, who bagged the 14-and-U plum with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Ramon Bentillo.

Minnette Bentillo also came away with two victories, besting Angelica Alcala, 6-1, 6-1, for the girls’ 12-and-U title and disposing of Von Saraza, 6-3, 6-0, for the 10-unisex crown.

Ramon Bentillo earlier took the boys’ 12-and-U title with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Jirah Virrey.