BORACAY, Philippines – Defending men’s champion Foundation University of Dumaguete City bucked opening day jitters and went on to roll past San Beda, 21-14, 21-18, even as the other regional winners posted straight-set victories in the semifinal round of the 13th Nestea Fit Beach Volley National Circuit here yesterday.
Arnel Amadeo and Buensuceso Sayson made up for their shaky start with a solid net game and superb court coverage as they overpowered the pair of Leonel Evan Laraya and James Christian Lorca to advance to the next round.
“We were a little bit sluggish. Maybe it’s the first day,” said the 20-year-old Amadeo in Filipino. “I told my partner that even if we did not play that well today (yesterday) we’ll make up for it with a better effort in the next game.”
Sayson, 19, said he had hard time adjusting to the soft, white sands fronting the Hey! Jude restaurant of this popular tourist haven.
“Back home, we had a harder sand court while these sands are far softer, that’s why I’m having a hard time settling down with my game,” said Sayson.
The regional winners also hurdled their respective assignments with relative ease.
Luzon leg champion Joshua Alcarde and Jan Berlin Paglinawan of Far Eastern U downed Mursad Hadjirul and Mohammad Ali Maih of Mahardika Institute of Technology, 21-15, 22-20, while Mindanao State University of Tawi-Tawi, the Mindanao regional champion composed of Mohammad Reza Azakil and Halim Khan, fashioned out a 21-12, 21-16 victory over Paul John Saraga and Galileo Mascardo of University of Mindanao-Davao.
Cebu bets Ariel Carumba and Loujei Tigpos trounced Eden Canlas and Erickson Joseph Ramos, 21-17, 21-12, but dropped a heartbreaking 21-19, 21-23, 15-17 loss to regional rival Jade Becaldo and Precioso Bendijo Jr., 19-21, 23-21, 17-15.
The double-round elimination tournament, offering a top purse of P100,000, is sponsored by Ipanema, Speedo, Parkmall in Mandaue City, Cebu, L’Oreal Paris Elseve, Nautilus by PJ Arañador, Mikasa, D’Mall D’Boracay, Tagum Beach Volley Drome at Rotary Park, Hey! Jude Resort, Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel and Crystal Sand Beach Resort.
Providing the day’s biggest surprise were University of Southern Philippines Foundation’s Erika Camille Verano and Apple Seraum, who stunned Janice Arnaiz and Jennifer Conde of University of Mindanao-Davao, the top Mindanao qualifiers, 21-13, 22-20.
In women’s action, Angela Benting and Lizlee Gata of Adamson, who reigned supreme in the Luzon elims, smashed Mykah Ramos and Aiza Armacion of Holy Cross of Davao College, 21-9, 21-12, in a big start to their title drive.
Visayas leg winner University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos of Julie Ann Billote and Ruby Rose Bordon also opened their bid in fiery fashion, blasting Lourdilyn Catubag and Jestine Carla Gonzales of University of Mindanao-Tagum, 21-7, 21-15.
Krystle Marie Suizo and Jackielyn Estoquia of University of San Agustin waylaid Cindy Benitez and Mary Ann Biay of University of Cordilleras, 21-14, 21-12.