Pantino claims title in Manila netfest

CEBU, Philippines - Cebuano Arthur Craig “Iggy” Pantino won the 10-under class of the Henry Lee Age-group Tennis Championships at the Manila Polo Club yesterday morning.

After failing to move up to the boys’12-under class when he lost his semifinal round assignment, Pantino pulled away an easy 6-0, 6-0 triumph over Alexander Bulilan to rule the 10-under class.

The nine year-old Pantino opened his bid in this event with a 6-1, 6-0 win against Sebastian Taboada and followed with a 6-0, 6-0 triumph against Kyrene Espidido.

In the quarterfinal round, Pantino pulled away a 6-1, 6-0 win against Jules Lazaro before outsmarting Marcus Del Rosario, 6-3, 6-1 in the penultimate round to qualify for the final match.

With the win, Pantino is inspired to go for back-to-back victories when he competes in the 9th Truflex Age-Group tournament also in Manila beginning April 4.

A title in the Truflex event would also mean more points for Iggy Pantino in his bid to be the no.1 under-10 player of the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (PHILTA).

He is currently ranked no.2 in the 10-under and ranked no.10 in the boys’12-under. (FREEMAN)