Lagman, Sally Mae champions anew in Malaysian tennis

In another scintillating display of prowess, Cebuano tennis sensations Jacob Lagman and Sally Mae Siso brought pride to the country by snaring the championship titles in their respective divisions yesterday in the Malaysian International Junior Tennis Tournament in Penang, Malaysia.

The 10-year old Lagman won his second international title in the boys 10-under while Sally Mae finally nailed her first title in the girls 12-under class.

Lagman had to make personal adjustments as he is not used to playing in a grass but he survived in his second finals meeting against Ahmad Deedat Razak, Malaysia's number one, whom he also defeated in Selangor two weeks ago.

The St. Benedict Childhood Education Center standout, however, was stretched to the limits and had a difficult time dispatching the hard-fighting Malaysian en route to 7-5, 7-5 victory

"He was congratulated by the Tennis Press Organization in Penang because of his performance. Jacob is so happy," said the delighted Julie, mother of Jacob.

Lagman now has a taller task ahead of him as he goes for a grand slam in Perlis City today where he will take a bye in the elimination round.

On the other hand, Sally Mae of the University of San Carlos duplicated her doubles feat by extracting vengeance against her partner and perennial singles rival Junica Guba of La Carlota City in a grueling two-hour battle.

Sally Mae, backed by Osaka Iridology and Dunlop, jumpstart the opening set with a 6-1 win, but Guba snatched the second set, 4-6.

However, Sally Mae wrapped up the game, 6-3.

Sally's older brother, Bernardine 'Niño", however, was greeted with misfortune after the string of his racquet accidentally broke, contributing to his loss to Korea's Jang Woo Hyunk, 5-7, 2-6.