Hidalgo eyes tennis gold for TCC in Batang Pinoy

CEBU, Philippines -  Francis Hidalgo subdued fellow Cebuano Marc Suson in their closely-fought semifinal battle to assure Team Cebu City of at least silver medal in boys lawn tennis event of the 2014 Philippine Youth Games- Batang Pinoy National Finals yesterday in Bacolod City.

Hidalgo had to pass through a super tie-breaker before edging out the equally-tough Suson, 2-6, 6-4, 10-7 to set up a gold medal match against Jose Maria Pague of Zamboanga today.

At the track oval, TCC started its bid in athletics with a bronze from the shotput event courtesy of John Dean Durano, who heaved the iron ball to a personal-best 11.39 meters.

TCC hopes to claim a gold today in the century dash, with Mike Lopez posting the best time in the qualifying heat.

In boxing, TCC is left with three bets through brothers Jeffrey and Eduardo, Gimenez Jr. and Limbert Cailap, who made their way to the quarterfinal round.

The Niños are eyeing more golds today with the staging of dancesport competition.

Meanwhile, playing coach Felix Calipusan, Jr. led Cebu Province with a golden performance in the -40 kilograms advance kata of karatedo event.

Aside from the individual gold, Calipusan also spearheaded Cebu Province to a silver finish in synchronized kata together with Gerald Augustine Baclaan, and Jeremy Nopre.

Cebu Province also got five bronzes courtesy of Clyde Emmanuel Apuya in the novice open, Jessa Avila in the -39 kgs. advance, Gerald Augustine Baclaan in the -53 kgs. advance kata, Greg Christian Cabrera in the +53 kgs. boys advance kata, and Allison Kyle Quiroga in the +45 kgs. girls advance kata. (FREEMAN)