Derek Tabo-Tabo returns a double-handed backhand to Raymond Baoy in the 19th JRG Gullas Cup tennis tournament at the City Green Tennis Resort. Tabo-Tabo wins. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)
Dharyl Alcordo and Marc Pradel led the cast of winners in the opening day of action in the 19th edition of the JRG Gullas Cup tennis tournament after they booted out separate rivals in the Boys’ 16-Under division at the Citigreen Tennis Resort in Labangon.
Over at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club in Pardo Cebu City, seven of Cebu’s rising junior girl netters and two boys advanced to the second round in the 12-Under division after they demolished their respective rivals in the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) Group 2 event.
Alcordo bucked a strong resistance from Rey Dante Toledo in the opening set before crusing the rest of the way en route to a hard-fought 7-6, 6-1 victory, while Pradel coasted to victory via an easier way as he kicked out Dave Villarba, 6-2, 6-0, for a place in today’s second round.
Also advancing in the Boys’ 16-Under are Dale Estonilo, who won by default over Francis Ricana, who earlier scored a lopsided, 6-0, 6-1 win over Dale Canete. Charlie Cabarrubias likewise advanced into the next round with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Lorenz Celis.
In the 12-Under Girls’ division, the Cebuana winners were Tiffany Nocos, who beat Isabel Gian, 6-0, 6-0; Thalia Suson, who won over Noela Ramos, 7-6, 6-0; Catherine Medrano, who trounced Phel Coderos, 6-1, 6-2; Shedel Gica, who defeated Yuki Kobayashi, 6-4, 6-0; Lyra Repollo, who nipped Christine Lemorin, 6-0, 6-4; Febbie Abayan, who downed Angela Laborte, 6-0, 6-2; and Pherl Coderos, who routed Georgia Cubcuban, 6-3, 6-2.
Advancing to the next round in the Boys 12-Under wars are Josh Ibardia, who recovered from an opening loss to outlast Louise Segara in a tiring three-set showdown, 5-7, 6-4, 10-6, and John Tenepre, who defeated Franklin Almario, 6-3, 6-2.
The only non-Cebuano player who advanced to the Boys 12-Under second round was Baybay, Leyte’s Joshua Torres, who edged out Kyle Remedio, 6-0, 6-1.
Meanwhile, all the seeded players will begin their respective quests for glory today.