Kinaadman, Velez reign PBAPC: Rookie Mocon best

Joshua Kinaadman flashed top form and dominated the PPS-PEPP Mayor Nikko Mercado Open Championship while John David Velez and France Lorin Idjao ruled the MCF Global national age-group at the Maasin Lawn Tennis Club in Leyte last weekend.

The top-seeded Kinaadman dropped just five games on his way to the singles finals where the Lapu-Lapu City bet reigned with a 6-2, 1-0(ret.) win over No. 2 Norman Enriquez, who had to endure a pair of three setters over Elmer Alila and Velez to get a crack at the crown worth P15,000 in the centerpiece event held as part of the city’s 19th Charter Day celebrations.

Velez, the former Davao star now playing for Asenso Ozamiz Tennis Club, lived up to the hype in the accompanying MCF Group I age grouper, sweeping his way to the boys’ 18-and-under singles plum with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Vinz Lominoque. He also took the 16-U title with a walkover win over Sai Lago.

On the other hand, the unfancied Idjao, from La Salle-Lipa, stunned top seed and doubles partner Gabby Zoleta in the semis, 4-2, 4-2, then repulsed Judy Anne Padilla, 6-4, 7-5, to snare the premier crown in the girls’ side of the event.

Zoleta earlier took the 16-U plum with a 5-7, 6-1, 10-3 decision over Padilla.

Javee Mocon continues to make a statement after a second straight PBA semifinals stint.

The Rain or Shine rookie played a key role in the team making it deep into the playoffs of the Commissioner’s Cup despite late import woes in the eliminations that relegated the Elasto Painters to sixth seed team heading to the quarterfinals.

In 10 games dating back from the stretch run of the elims all the way to the semis, Mocon averaged 13.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists as the Elasto Painters stayed at .500 mark with an even 5-5 (win-loss record).

The crucial job the former San Beda star did in helping Rain or Shine secure a second consecutive semifinals berth this season earned for him the PBA Press Corps Rookie of the Month for July.

It was the third time Mocon earned Rookie of the Month honor after likewise being named last February and April.