Cebu bets start strong in Peugeot Open netfest

CEBU, Philippines – A bunch of Cebuano netters led by Israel "RJ" Abarquez got off to sizzling starts in the Cebu leg of the inaugural Peugeot Philippine Tennis Open, which kicked off yesterday at the Cebu Country Club.

Abarquez, now based in Singapore working under the Tennis Allegiance Group, needed 30 minutes to oust the 40-year-old Ron Vincent Gaite in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2.

Ranged against Venz Alforque in the next round, Abarquez yearns for a win that would set him up to a dream semifinal showdown against Francis Casey "Nino" Alcantara, one of the country's top-ranked players today.

Aside from Abarquez, several other Cebuanos hurdled their opening assignments.

Clyde Dale Bienes overcame a tough first set before fending off Bohol's Maxine Paul Ong, 7-5, 6-1, while Janel Pintor triumphed over Boyet Lutor with the same scores.

Marc Suson won by retirement against Bohol's Rainer Jaum. After closing the first set at 6-2, Suson was again leading, 3-1, when Jaum retired.

Not to be outdone, Norman Joseph Enriquez bested Dave Brigole, 6-1, 6-2, while John Clyde Largo outsmarted Christopher Enriquez, 6-0, 6-4.

Joining them in the last 16 were Jaime Catteo, Royen Cabunilas, Mike Evan Bienes, Anthony Laplap, John Villa, Raymund Sambas, Shani Khandaker, Ryan Christian Quilicot and Hector Toledano. (FREEMAN)