CdO’s top netter makes girls U-18 final of 20th Gullas Cup

CAGAYAN de Oro City’s top-seeded player Janelle Llavore barged into the finals of the girls’ 18-under division of the 20th Jose R. Gullas Cup age group tennis tournament following an emphatic semifinal victory over Naga City, Cebu’s Kristin Renee Salimbangon yesterday at the Citi Green Tennis Resort in Labangon.

Llavore demonstrated her mastery over the Cebuana bet Salimbangon, winning in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1, to set up a titular showdown against Mary Calma.

Calma zoomed to the final round following a walkover win versus Naga City’s 2nd seed Shynne Villareal.

Farah Emata, meanwhile, scored a huge upset by beating top seed Lyrah Mae Repollo, 7-6 (7-5), 6-1, to secure the first finals berth in the girls’ 12-Under division.

Tiffany Claire Nocos of Lapu-Lapu City and Hannah Tapic were still playing for the other finals berth at press time.

Nocos entered the final round of the 10-under Unisex division with a 4-0, 4-0 victory over Hans Cabellon to set up a battle against Clark Trazo, a 4-2, 4-0, winner over Chad Cuizon.

Elizabeth Abarquez prevented a shuout for the Cebuanos in the finals as she moved into the title round of the girls’ 14-U  division following a lopsided 6-0, 6-1 victory over Dan Villar. She will face the winner between Repollo and topseed Ellaine Bahonsua.

The boys’ 12-under semifinalists are Harland Hogan, who will face either Ruhpert Ohrelle Tortal or John Tenepre, and Clark Trazo, who will battle Ashton Benne Villanueva.

The girls’ 16-Under Girl’s semis cast is composed of topseed Shynne Villareal versus Mary Calma, and Abarquez, who will tackle second-seeded Llavore.