Chad Connor Cuizon (center) shows off the awards he won in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) regional tennis tournament in the City of La Carlota in Negros Occidental.
contributed
CEBUANO tennis sensation Chad Connor Cuizon has accomplished quite a lot in his young tennis career.
At the age of nine, Cuizon is already ranked by the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) as the second best in the country in the 10 years and under division.
Over the weekend, the netter from Lapu-Lapu City lived up to his lofty billing as he added another collection to his plethora of awards when he completed a twin kill in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) regional tennis tournament in the City of La Carlota in Negros Occidental.
Cuizon, who started playing competitive tennis when he was just four years old, defeated Giovani Dimate, 4-0, 4-2, to win the 10-unisex singles title then teamed up with Jake Rodriguez to defeat the tandem of Dimate and Louchella Estember, 8-3, for the 10-unisex doubles crown.
According to Cuizon’s mother, Pops Alejandro Cuizon, Chad was actually introduced to the sport when he was just two years old, which is why he has blossomed at a young age.
“He played tennis because his uncle and parents are big fanatics of the game. We have our own tennis court, which is the Carajay Tennis Club, and every time we had games, he always joined us. So as early as two, he always had a racket and practiced with us,” said Pops.
The victory also allowed Cuizon to inch closer to the top spot in the PHILTA rankings currently held by Tennielle Madis, who has 1,310 points. Cuizon now has 1,085 points.
Cuizon had a chance to secure a third title but failed after losing to hometown bet Khenz Justiniani in the 12-under boys finals, 2-6, 3-6.
Cuizon will next compete in the Head Tennis Tour, which fires off on April 9, PPS-PEPP Consolacion leg and the Gullas Cup, which will serve as a preparation for the 10-unisex Asian Cup in Malaysia in May.