Unknown netters win in Cebuana tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Several new faces emerged as winners in the initial leg of the 2014 Cebuana Lhuillier National Age Group Tennis series in Valencia City in Bukidnon and more new talents are expected to shine with the addition of new legs in the Luzon area with a total of 29 legs to be played this year nationwide.

Malaybalay’s Kheena April Litanon was the only double winner as she took the age group titles in both the girls’ 12 & under and 14 & under. Other female winners were Christine Claire Gumilao from host city in the 18 & under, and Gian Deza Saavedra, also from Valencia emerged champion in the 16 &under age group of the tournament co-sponsored by Dunlop.

The boys’ champions were led by CDO’s Dean Cassius Maglinao who copped the 18 & under crown, Roni Christian Puno from Musuan, Bukidnon in the 16 & under, townmates Richard Villar in the 14 & under, and John Juvic Casas in the 12 & under. Brent Cortes from Tubod Lanao del Norte took the 10 & under title.

Meanwhile, event organizer Mario Craiz bared the remaining 28 legs of the series that include some tennis clinics, PHILAM Tennis Club in Quezon City hosts the second leg, Feb. 1-2, 7, 8 and 9, Kidapawan City Tennis Club takes care of the third leg in Kidapawan Feb. 21 to 24, Bacoor in Cavite will be the venue for the fourth leg on Macrh 1, 2 7, 8 and 9 while BF Resort in Las Piñas hosts the fifth leg on March 29-30, April 1-2. Iligan City has its turn on April 1-4, followed by Marawi City with the MSU tennis center as host club on April 5-8.

Mindanao Civic Center in Tubod has its turn on April10 to 13, next is Ozamiz City, April 14 to 17. The Nazareth Lawn Tennis Club will take care of the Cagayan de Oro leg on April 18 to 23, simultaneously with Binangonan, Rizal , April 21 to 24, followed by Malolos , Bulacan and Mambajao, Camiguin on April 27 to 30.

Other host cities are Gingoog, May 1 to 4, Cavite City, May 3 to 6 , Butuan, May 5 to 9 , Cainta , Rizal, May 9 to 12, same dates with Davao City and Surigao, Baybay, Leyte has its turn on May 15 to 19, Ubay , Bohol, May 21 to 25, Bais City, May 27 to 30, Legaspi City, Sept. 5 to 8, Siquijor , Oct. 3 to 6, and Angeles, Pampanga, Oct. 25 to 30.

The remaining legs are scheduled in Midsayap, North Cotabato on Nov. 21 to 24, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, Nov. 28 to Dec. 1, Cebu City, December 5 to 8, and the final leg is set in Quezon City, Dec. 26 to 30.

For tournament inquiries, contact number of Craiz is 0920 9468280.