CEBU, Philippines – Golfer Jose Rodriguez was declared as Copa de Casino Español’s “Player of the Year” as the annual multi-sport conclave formally came to a close the other night at the Casino Español Salon de Espana ballroom.
With no player joining in two or more sporting events, the organizers decided to select the “Player of the Year” from three major disciplines: golf, tennis and badminton.
Rodriguez powered his team Jay Rod to the Division II championship in golf held at the Mercedes Plantation Golf and Country Club.
Jay Rod, which is also manned by Jay Lee, Jaime Selar and Vicente Yap, got 121 points, while the Bogo-anons of Amado Villador, Jose Mari Miranda, Josele Madrazo and James Gaite finished second with 118 points.
Team Petron topped Division I with 121 points, thanks to the efforts of Anthony Bejar, Jun Tolentino, Jovy Mendoza and Nolan Rada.
Interestingly, Petron edged out Team Ormoc of Juli Garcia, Mel Bernil and Ferdie Sembrano by just a hairline.
In tennis, the Red squad skippered by Fred Quilala prevailed over Blue of Romy Alejandro.
The Reds came up with a 6-4 win-loss record in their first encounter and then followed it up with a 7-4 mark in the next match.
Team Red is composed of John Pages, Miglin Bernel, Darlene Bonete, Meann Campo, Lenon Carmona, Elmer Co, Ann Cuenco, Monsignor Achilles Dakay, Ric Dizon, Dinah Elnar, Carlito Florido, Doming Garcia, Jogie Garcia, Jun Jumao-as, Bobby Lozada, Omar Matondo,Vergel Regner, Donald Ruiz, Zelda Ruiz, Alfonso Tan and Stanley Yap.
In badminton, the tandem of Abner Bantilan and Rodjard Soriba lorded it over in Group 1 after beating Mark Yang and Jordan Tanco, while Francis Lee and Pua Tong Aik topped Group 2 after outlasting Caryl Caldoza and Fennie Tan.
Richelle Ting and Julie Ebio dominated Group 3 after fending off Penelope Ong and Arlene Yu, while Emily Reyes and Diko Ong bested Janet Dihiansan and Averil Wee Sit to snatch the Group 4 title.
On hand to award the trophies to the winners was no less than Casino Español president Manuel Sainz.
This year’s edition of the Copa de Casino Español was sponsored by PLDT, Selecta, Rajah Park Hotel, Julie’s Bakeshop, Petron, Bogo Medellin Sugar Planters Association, Inc., Gothong Lines, Grand Majestic, SPT Trucking, Opascor, Tsuneshi, Thirsty Juices and Shakes, San Miguel Mills, Japer Marketing and Francisco Jarque. – THE FREEMAN