Saraza, Talatayod forge title clash

MANILA, Philippines - Top seed Kim Saraza survived a first-set scare to repulse third seed Alberto Villamor while second ranked Deo Talatayod dominated Gabriel Gutierrez to arrange a keenly awaited showdown for the boys’ 21-under crown in the Juntaphil age group tennis tournament at the Baguio Tennis Club outdoor courts in Burnham Park Friday.

Saraza used a variety of shots to thwart Villamor in the opening frame before stamping his class for a 7-5, 6-2 victory in their semis duel while Talatayod broke Gutierrez twice en route to a 6-3, 6-3 romp for a crack at the crown in the centerpiece division of the Group 2 tournament sponsored by First Gen Corp. and Smart Communication.They dispute the title at 10 a.m. today.

Talatayod also stayed on course for a possible golden double as he turned back Jeremiah Latorre, 7-5, 6-4, to reach the semis of the 18-under category of the event backed by Tecnifibre, APM Agricom, Pet One, Accel, Kimura Chaves Enterprise, Friends of Juntaphil, Gigi Travers, Orlando Galang, Vic Buencamino, Jr., Enrique Zalamea and Victor Co.   

The top seeded Talatayod takes on No. 4 Alfonso Opulencia in the semis with No. 2 Villamor and Dela Cruz disputing the other finals berth in the lower bracket.

Anne Castillo and Katrina Orteza slug it out for the girls’ 18-under crown after toppling Isabela Orteza, 6-3, 6-3, and Maia Balce, 7-5, 6-0, respectively, while Balce and the Isabela Orteza dispute the 14-under crown after beating Ingris Gonzales, 6-4, 6-0, and Erika Manduriao, 6-4, 7-6(7), respectively.

Chrislyn Sioson and Chloe Saraza clash for the 12-under title with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Mae Regala and 6-2, 6-3 victory over Jovy Macaraeg, respectively.

Unranked Albert Lim Jr., who stunned No. 7 Christian San Andres in the third round, pulled off another shock win over third seed Al Canizares, 6-3, 6-2, to reach the finals of the 16-under class against No. 5 Opulencia, who defeated No. 8 Daniel Villasenor, 6-4, 6-2, in the other semis clash.