National pool sweeps singles versus Japan singles

MANILA, Philippines - The RP national pool, led by Davis Cuppers Johnny Arcilla and PJ Tierro, overpowered the young Toyo Gakuen University, sweeping the singles matches in the Philippines-Japan University Friendship Tennis ‘09 at the Palms Country Club last Wedneday.

Arcilla and Tierro, both preparing for the Laos Southeast Asian Games in December, led the charge against the visiting college netters who were coming off a four-day dual meet with rivals from three of the country’s top universities.

Four-time PCA Open champion Arcilla blanked Kazuhiro Hashima, 6-0, in the main singles match shortened due to rains. Tierro earlier dominated Shohei Maruta, 8-5.

Also winning for the national pool members were RK Barte who beat Ryohei Okada, 8-3, Jaime Solon who routed Kazuto Mawata, 8-1.

In girls’ action, Jessie Agra overwhelmed Ayaka Iwata, 8-2, and Michelle Pang drubbed Kurumi Suzuki, 8-1. Other singles matches were cancelled due to rains.

Toyo Gakuen players teamed up with members of the national pool in doubles with Maruta and Tierro besting Kawata and Solon, 8-4; and Okata and Arcilla defeating Hashima and Barte, 8-5.

Suzuki and Agra teamed up to beat Yumiko Watanabe and Christine Patrimonio, 8-7 (3), while Kana Morimoto combined with Bambi Zoleta in edging Iwata and Pang, 8-7 (6).

Toyo Gakuen won over two of the three schools it faced, losing only to Ateneo (7-5) in their dual meet last Sunday. But the visitors, who stayed with foster families around Alabang area, bounced back with a 7-5 win over University of the Philippines and a 8-4 triumph over La Salle the next two days.