Velezes reign in Kalimudan age group tennis tourney

MANILA, Philippines - Siblings Rachel Patricia Velez and John David Velez flashed top form as they racked up two victories each to dominate the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Regional age-group 2014 tennis tournament presented by Technifibre at the Isulan Capitol Tennis Club in Sultan Kudarat yesterday.

Rachel fought back from a second set defeat and smothered Yzyl Domingo in the decider, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, to clinch the 18-and-under crown hours after overpowering Carlyn Bless Guarde, 6-1, 6-2, in the 14-U finals of the four-day tournament held as part of the 16th Kalimudan Festival celebrations.

The 14-year-old Davaoeño netter, however, missed completing a three-title romp as she was stopped on her tracks by provincemate but unranked Danna Mariella Abad, who pulled off a shock 1-6, 6-3, 6-0 victory to snare the 16-U diadem in the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and Technifibre, also the official ball.

“We thank Palawan Pawnshop for making our province a regular stop of the circuit, which does not only boost the sport here but also help our youth to strive for excellence through sports,” said Sultan Pax Mangudadatu.

The top-seeded John David, meanwhile, stamped his class over Sultan Kudarat’s Minette April Bentillo, 4-2, 4-2, to annex the 10-unisex title before scoring a 6-3, 6-1 romp over Eric Comendador to pocket the 12-U crown in the event sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association headed by president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

“We always believe that Filipinos can make it big in tennis. The huge turnout in Sultan Kudarat continues to inspire us to support and hold this series of ranking tournaments among our youth, especially in the countryside,” said Castro. “With the Palawan Pawnshop circuit, we are confident of producing top-notch players in the future.”

Iligan City’s Allen Gerry Manlangit matched the Velezes’ two-title feat as he wore down Abson John Alejandre, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5), to bag the hotly-disputed boys’ 16-U title before adding the 18-U plum with a 6-3, 3-1 (ret.) win over Jarel Edangga.

Koronadal City’s Janus Ringia essayed a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Jyle Cyrin Martinez to annex the boys’ 14-U crown while Bentillo made up for her loss to John Velez in the 10-unisex finals by winning the girls’ 12-U title with a 6-2, 6-3 romp over Ma. Angelica Novis.

Next stop for the Palawan Pawnshop circuit is in Pagadian City with Gov. A.H. Ceriles hosting the event on Nov. 21-24. For details, contact Palawan Pawnshop secretariat at 0915-4046464.