Mendoza gains final; Patrimonio bows out

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino Jurence Mendoza continued his giant-slaying ways as he brought down fancied Yu Cheng Yu of Chinese Taipei, 7-5, 6-2, to barge into the finals of the rain-delayed Phinma International Juniors Week 2 at the Rizal Tennis Center.

Mendoza, who toppled second seed Aditya Ichsandi Harris of Indonesia and fifth pick Tas Suwanasang of Thailand on his way to the semis, survived a tough first set then dominated Yu in the next to complete the win.

Fil-Am Desirae Krawczyk likewise stunned No. 2 Sanae Ota of Japan, 6-1, 7-5, to advance in the girls’ finals against Qin Siyu.

The Chinese No. 3 turned back top seed Clarice Patrimonio, 7-5, 7-5, in the other semis duel.

“It was nice playing and winning here,” said the 16-year-old Krawczyk, who was born and raised in Palm Springs, California.

Krawczyk, whose mother hails from Cagayan, humbled No. 4 Kathinka Von Deichmann of Liechstentein, 6-4, 6-0, before subduing Ota.

Yu, ranked 1421 in the world who surprised No. 6 Jason Joey Alexander of Indonesia, 6-4, 6-3, in the second round, was eyeing a finals stint after reaching the semis in the first week of this two-leg event.

But Mendoza had other things in mind.

The victory sent Mendoza, a native of Olongapo City, to a showdown with top seed Nuttanon Kadchapanan of Thailand for the crown.

Kadchapanan, eyeing a sweep of the two-week meet, trounced Tang Chih Chun of Chinese-Taipei, 6-4, 6-3, to clinch the first finals slot.

Patrimonio, meanwhile, made up for her loss by teaming up with Thai Tanaporn Thongsing and beating Marian Capadocia and Marinel Rudas, 6-2, 6-4, to advance the semis of the girls’ doubles.

The Patrimonio-Thongsing duo will meet Krawczyk and Filipino Tamitha Nguyen, who posted a 6-4, 6-4 upset over Week 1 champion Nahathai Khuntaket and Varunya Wongteanchai of Thailand.

In boys’ doubles, Akio Sy and Fil-Am Rickey Baylon failed to secure a semis berth as they bowed to second seed Vimuktha De Alwis of Sri Lanka and Aditya Ichsandi Haris of Indonesia, 6-7 (6), 7-5, 10-6.