Lagman, Canlas clash for 10-U title

Jacob Lagman and Calvin Canlas pulled off contrasting victories to set up a title duel in the unisex 10-and-under even as stunner Christine Patrimonio made up for a loss in the 16-and-under section with a win in another class as action in the ninth Head-Penn Match Play tournament intensified yesterday at the Rizal Tennis Center.

The top-seeded Lagman found his pristine 36-game streak snapped but still came out the winner against Pocholo Macalino, 6-2, 6-1, while the second-ranked Canlas fought off Jainul Al Khaldy’s challenge with a 6-4, 7-5 win that set up an expected title clash today.

Patrimonio, the dark, long-legged daughter of former basketball superstar Alvin, rammed into second pick Jessica Agra and absorbed a 4-6, 3-6 setback that dropped her out of the 16-and-under division.

She came back in the younger group – 14-and-under – where she is the top seed, posting a resounding 6-0, 6-2 triumph over Joan Opulencia that gave her a shot at the finals against Sarah Jane Lim who outlasted JV Custodio, 6-4, 6-4. - J. Villar