Carlos, Baulete hurdle Cebuana Tennis Challenge rivals
Macie Carlos and Rovie Baulete hacked out victories in contrasting fashions to lead the charge of the fancied bets in the opener of the Cebuana Lhuillier Girls’ Tennis Challenge Under-14 and U-16 qualifying tournaments at the Makati Sports Club recently.
Last year’s runner-up Carlos disposed of Corazon Lambonao, 6-2, 6-2, in the 14-U side while Baulete recovered from a second set defeat by dominating the super tiebreak, 6-4, 6-7(4), 10-2, in the 16-U play of the tournament sponsored by Malayan Insurance, Dunlop and Makati Sports Club.
In other 14-U results, Mica Emana overpowered Tennielle Madis in the tiebreak, 6-2. 3-6, 10-0, while third-ranked Tiffany Nocos upended No. 2 Julia Ignacio, 6-4, 6-1, in the Unified Tennis Philippines-sanctioned event, which serves as a qualifier for the Women’s Tennis Association Future Stars Finals in Singapore next month.
Justin Maneja, on the other hand, whipped Shedel Gica, 6-3, 6-0, while second seed Bliss Bayking blitzed past Ellaine Bahonsua, 6-0, 6-2, in the 16-U category.
“Your worthy performance earned you a spot in this tournament and I believe the winners will make the country proud in the WTA Future Stars,” said Cebuana Lhuillier president/CEO and UTP founder Jean Henri Lhuillier.
All participants received certificates of recognition from UTP officials for emerging the top-ranking players in their respective categories.