Rivera, Velez bag two Palawan regional net titles

MANILA, Philippines -Shaira Rivera came away with twin victories while John David Velez dominated the younger classes as they led the winners in Series 57 of the Palawan Pawnshop President’s ELO Cup regional age-group tennis circuit in Sultan Kudarat recently.

The No. 2 Rivera overpowered top seed Nicole Bautista, 6-2, 6-2, to capture the girls’ 18-and-under crown then the 14-year-old find from Monkayo Compostela Valley repulsed Sharyl delos Santos, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, to annex the 16-and-U plum at the Isulan Capitol Tennis Club.

Velez matched that two-title romp later, holding off Eric Comendador, 6-4, 6-4, to bag the boys’ 12-and-U diadem and turning back April Bentillo, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, for the 10-unisex crown in the week-long event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop through COO Bobby Castro and sanctioned by Philta under president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

“Rivera and Velez are two of our rising stars from the junior ranks. By providing top-notch tournaments for the youth nationwide, we hope to produce more of them,” said Olivarez, who also cited Palawan Pawnshop’s long-term commitment to support the sport.

Top seed Patricia Velez whisked off Carlyn Guarde in the decider to carve out a 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 victory for the girls’ 14-and-U title while Bentillo made up for her failed bid in the 10-unisex with a 6-2, 7-6(2) win over Ma. Angelica Novis in the 12-and-U finals of the tournament hosted by Gov. Teng Mangudadatu.

Unranked Jeric delos Santos scored a 7-5, 0-6(ret.) win over Mikko Ringia to snatch the boys’ 18-and-U plum; No. 4 Abson Alejandre also hacked out a 1-0(ret.) victory over Janus Ringia to clinch the boys’ 16-and-U title.

Janus Ringia earlier took the 14-and-U diadem with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Jyle Martinez.