Tabotabo scores twinkill in DRB Open tennisfest

CEBU, Philippines - Tuburan's pride Jude Tabotabo posted two straight wins in the 1st DRB Men’s Open tennis tournament yesterday at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club.

The 16-year-old Tabotabo pummeled Nino Remonde, 10-4, before being made to work extra hard to fend off Sibonga’s Fritz Satera in a tightly-knit match, 10-8.

Satera quickly bounced back though and vented his ire on Adrian Parangan of Balamban, 10-3.

Naga’s Kennex Abadia joined the winners’ circle after thumping Alexis Doller, 10-1.

The other first day victors were Jade Labaya over John Villa, 10-9 (7-3), Mark Joseph Sierra against Joseph Tallo, 10-2, James Dumuran of Bogo versus Clyde Bienes, 10-2, Jicjic Bohol opposite Dingdong Canete, 10-3, and Roy Tabotabo against Jhon Michael Necessario, 10-4.

The top-seeded Israel Abarquez is yet to see action.

The tournament, which runs until January 29, serves as a tune-up for the National Collegiate Games in Manila next month and the Palarong Pambansa this summer.

The first and second round of action will be played at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club while the semis and finals will be at the PardoTennis Club.

The champion will receive P10,000, while the second placer will pocket P5,000. The third and fourth will take home P2,500 and P1,500, respectively. — THE FREEMAN