Young Rivera nets 3 titles in S Kudarat tilt

Shaina Rivera put on a strong performance to rack up three titles, including the premier girls’ 18-and-under crown, while John mmanuel strope ruled two divisions in the Palawan PawnshopPalawan press Pera Padala regional age-group tournament presented by Babolat in Sultan udarat last onday.

The unranked Rivera, a 13-year-old find from onkayo Compostela alley, blanked top seed yndie Bisnar in the semis then trounced No. 2 Abegail Icoy, 5- 3, 4- 1, to claim the 18- and- diadem in the four-day event put up by Philta and sponsored by Palawan Pawnshot and Technosports, distributor of Babolat.

As fifth seed, Rivera also stunned No. 1 and local ace Carlyn Bless Guarde, 5-3, 0-4, 10-7, in the 16-and- semis then whisked off unranked bony Ronco, 4-0, 4-1, to clinch the crown at the Isulan Tennis Club.

“I want to thank my sponsor Romy Chan for inviting me to train under the Philippine Tennis Academy,” said Rivera, who also took the 14-and- crown with a 4-0, 4-2 rout of inet Bentillo to complete an impressive three- title sweep in the tournament hosted by Gov. Teng angudadatu.

The third seeded strope smothered No. 5 duardo Bagaforo, 4- 1, 4- 0, to claim the boys’ 18-and- diadem then beat unseeded Jarel danga via the same score in the 32- player, 16- and- category.

Sultan udarat’s ince J Tugade, 12, also anne ed two titles, repulsing danga, 2-4, 4-2, 10-7, in the boys’ 14-and- and stunning top seed arc irecto, 4-2, 5-3, in the 12-and- class.

Guarde bagged the 12-and- title with a 4-1, 4-0 romp over Ja elle adis while the eight-yearold Bentillo, also from Sultan udarat, copped the 10-unise crown with a 4-2, 4-1 win over a. Angela Novis.

“Rivera’s remarkable three-title romp speaks well of our program to provide as a venue for young talents to showcase their skills and talent. or sure, there are many more young players waiting to be tapped,” said Palawan Pawnshop C Bobby Castro.