Pantino, Encarnacion to represent RP in Malaysia netfest

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuanos Arthur Craig Pantino and Christopher Encarnacion earned the chance to represent the country in a tennis event in Malaysia later this year after ruling their respective classes in the recently-concluded 2010 Milo Junior Tennis Cup National Championships at the Airforce City Tennis Club in Mabalacat, Clark, Pampanga.

 Pantino dominated the unisex 10-under while Encarnacion reigned supreme in the boys’12 division.

Pantino opened his bid with a 6-1, 6-1 triumph over National Capital Region’s Norman Gaspar and followed with a thrilling 6-0, 7-5 win over Mindanao’s Jericho Painagan.

One of Cebu’s fast-rising players, Pantino sealed his bid by clobbering another upcoming tennister, Manuel Balce III, 6-0, 6-0.

On the other hand, while Pantino had a commanding performance in his class, Encarnacion’s victory in the 12-under category was went through some rough sailing.

Encarnacion outsmarted Northern Luzon’s Julian Dayrit, 2-6, 6-1, 10-3 before escaping defeat against Mindanao’s Christian Fel Lopez, 4-6, 6-2, 10-3.

After two hard-earned wins, Encarnacion was rewarded with a no-sweat win over NCR’s Cenon Gonzales.

The two Cebuanos will be joined by National Capital Region’s Juoquim Samson and Khrizelle Sampation and Palawan’s Alexie Santos in Malaysia, which is set to start at the end of November.

Samson dominated the boys’14 class and Sampation in the distaff side while Santos reigned supreme in the girls’12.

The schedule of events in Malaysia is still unavailable as off press time. (BANATSPORTS)