Alcantara-Sarmiento takes doubles

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos Francis Casey Alcantara and Raymond Sarmiento pummeled Sam Barry of Ireland and Ben McLachlan of New Zealand, 6-4, 6-3, yesterday to pocked the doubles crown of the 21st Mitsubishi International Juniors Championships at the Rizal Tennis Center.

It was the second title for Alcantara, who teamed up with Daniel Berta of Sweden last year, and the first on local soil by Sarmiento, who is representing the United States but whose parents are Filipinos.

“We moved a lot and played aggressively, these were the keys,” said the Bukidnon-based Alcantara, who is on his last year in the ITF circuit.

Although the two played together only in the tournament, Sarmiento, who once played for the US Junior Davis Cup team, said communication provided fluidity in their game against their fourth-ranked rivals.

“We communicated well inside,” said Sarmiento, who was cheered by his relatives from Quezon City.

In singles action, unheralded Tian Ran of China scored a 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 win over No. 7 Luksika Kumkhum of Thailand to forge a title duel with top seed Irina Kromacheva of Russia, who nipped No. 6 Caroline Garcia of France, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Australia’s James Duckworth and No. 10 Tobias Blomgren of Sweden also arranged a finals meeting after downing No. 14 Dane Webb of the US, 6-2, 7-6 (2) and No. 11 Ben Wagland of Australia, 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-1, respectively. – Joey Villar