Vacalares enters Smart Head tennis quarters in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines - Rising tennis ace Emmanuel Vacalares Jr. won over Bernard Ryan Sanchez of Surigao, 6-1, 6-2, recently to reach the quarterfinals in the fifth leg of 2013 Head Junior Satellite Circuit national tennis age-group tournament at the Consolacion Cebu tennis courts in Cebu.

Vacalares, 13, relied on a solid forehand in both sets to score the convincing win in the boys’ 18-under singles of the tournament supported by Smart Sports, Chris Sports, Meralco, Maynilad, Toalson and Head, the official tennis ball.

“I’m hoping to sustain my performance in the quarterfinals. I’m so thankful to my mom’s support,” said Vacalares Jr. of Tagoloan Misamis Oriental. “My goal is to become part of the Philippine team, so I’m doing my best.”

Vacalares Jr., the youngest child of Emmanuel “Maning” Vacalares, also won in the elimination round of boys’ 16-under singles class against Peter Allain Cantillas of Cebu, 6-0, 6-0.

 â€œThe weather is too hot here in Cebu but I already adjusted,”   Vacalares said.

 Vacalares Jr. and Allian Abdulqoahar, meanwhile, made it also to the semifinals of boys’ doubles 18-under class. 

 In other results, Francis Parangan of Balamban, Cebu defeated fellow Cebuano Zoe Lou Daclan, 6-0,6-0, in the first round.