CEBU, Philippines - Monsignor Jose Dosado Jr. became Cebu's saving grace after he topped the 56-above division of this year's National Priests Tennis Championships dubbed as the 6th Fr. Fernando Suarez Cup at CitiGreen Tennis Resort in Barangay Punta Princesa, this city.
Dosado said it's been more than two decades since he last won a tennis competition as he alreaduy shifted to golf.
Dosado opened his bid with an 8-3 victory over Bishop Precioso Cantillas, then followed it up with a 8-1 thrashing of Monsignor Nene Caldoza in the semifinals.
In the all-Cebuano final, Dosado outlasted Domingo Tapic, 8-4, to take home the champion's trophy in their age group.
Father Alvin Codilla missed a double victory for Cebu when he conceded defeat to Fr. Suarez even before they could actually play the championship match of the 45-55 division due to exhaustion.
"Sa'yo na ang motor," said Fr. Codilla to Fr.Suarez even before the tournament referee announced their final match. Aside from motorcycle, the champion in each class also gets a free trip to Rome.
Father Neil Sureta also had a no-sweat triumph in the 45-below division after huis supposed final opponent, Fr. Arnel Haber, retired also due to exhaustion.
Father Haber, however, still has something to cheer about after he emerged as the doubles champion alongside Fr. Jerry Pascual. They edged out Father Julius Cesar Anas and Noel Gastones in the final. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)