MILTSCI bets start strong in Lapu-Lapu fiesta tennis

CEBU - Players from the Mactan Island Lawn Tennis Sports Club Inc. (MILTSCI) stole the show at the start of the 2008 Lapu-Lapu City Fiesta Lawn Tennis Tournament billed as the “Mayor Arturo Radaza Cup” last Sunday at the city’s tennis courts.

Dr. Lecille Kilantang and Agnes Sumalinog spearheaded MILTSCI’s decisive opening assault with an 8-4 drubbing of Tiffany Limpangog and Beverly Radaza of Cordova Tennis Club in the ladies category. Lecille is the daughter of Cecilio “Boy” Kilantang, the committee chairman on the age-group side of the competition.

Kilantang and Sumalinog were joined on the winners’ podium by clubmates Maricor Paden and Procy Buanghug, who thrashed another Cordova TC tandem of Cecille Maglahos and Maria Fe Delao, 8-3.

Not to be outdone, MILTSCI’s Jimmy Kaamino and Fermin Aranda crushed John Tandogon and Vicky Huesby of Cordova TC, 8-4, in the Century Old class, which is for entries whose age have reached at least 100 years old combined.

Peter Godinez and Edwin Tuñacao completed MILTSCI’s opening day dominance by humiliating the Camella Homes TC duo of Dennis Arriola and Flor Megallos, 8-1, in the C Plus category.

In the other C Plus tiff, Dodong Lumanta and Marvin Padilla of Cordova TC prevailed over Roy Boiser and Carl Arios sa Timex TC, 8-4.

Prior to the contest proper, Cebu’s top racquet-wielders Michael Quiñones and Francis Largo treated the participants and spectators to an exciting goodwill showdown of power shots and smart plays. In the end, Largo had the last laugh via a lopsided 10-4 decision.

Tournament chairman and city councilor Junard “Ahong” Chan and his assistant Engr. Junjun Clarito jointly announced that they purposely arranged the exhibition match so the competitors, especially the age-groupers, will have an idea on what really tennis is all about.

“We set up an exhibition match between Michael Quiñones and Francis Largo so the participants can learn something from them. Also, we want to motivate and inspire the young players particularly the age-groupes to improve on their craft and further harness their skills in tennis,” said Chan.

A grudge match is expected between Quiñones and Largo when they compete in the Open A singles division that will commence next week.

The month-long tilt, which is among the highlights of the annual fiesta celebration of Lapu-Lapu City in honor of its beloved patroness Virgin of the Rule (Birhen sa Regla) on November 20-21, also features the C Minus (beginners), 16-under, and 12-under categories.

The event formally kicked off with the traditional parade of competing squads followed by the simple opening ceremony. Rafael Nadal look-alike Pompie Saturinas snatched the best in men’s attire award, while Martina Hingis fanatic Cheche Vergara bagged the accolade in the distaff side. Saturinas and Vergara are both from Cecille’s Tennis Club.

Games will resume this weekend. Play on Saturday will start at 6 pm, while action on Sunday will begin at 3 pm. – EBV (THE FREEMAN)