Letran nears NCAA tennis title

MANILA, Philippines – Letran downed San Beda, 2-1, to close in on winning the seniors lawn tennis crown even as Perpetual Help grounded San Sebastian, 2-1, to stay in the title hunt in Season 90 of the NCAA at the Rizal Tennis Center Monday.

Jose Nicolas dumped Vincent Anida, 6-2, 6-0, in the first singles to give the Knights a 1-0 edge but Anida teamed up with John Gulto in edging Marcus and Miguel del Rosario, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, in the doubles to knot the count.

Emanuel Fuellas though waylaid Pete Oterun, 6-2, 6-0, in the deciding singles to break the deadlock and seal the Muralla-based netters, who snared the first round pennant, their first win in the second round and move two wins away from clinching the title.

The Altas though have not given up the fight after they turned back the Stags on wins by Ed Barangan over Francis Parangan, 6-2, 6-2, and Elbert Bacong against Victor Oto, 7-6, 6-0, to stay in contention.

Arjohn dela Cruz and Ryan Labactida provided the only win for San Sebastian after trouncing Chad Bustalino and Rene Sevilla, 6-1, 6-2, in the doubles.

Perpetual Help will need to beat Letran and San Beda for it force a playoff match with the Letran for the title.

Otherwise, the Knights should be poised to take home the crown.