Resma annexes twin titles in Olivarez netfest

MANILA, Philippines - Fourth seed Roxanne Resma pulled off a gritty 7-5, 7-5 victory over third ranked Katrina Orteza to capture the girls’ 18-and-under crown and complete a golden double in the second Olivarez-Philta Open Tennis Championships presented by Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat late Wednesday.

Resma, who stunned top seed Samantha Coyiuto, 6-1, 6-3, in the semis, proved steadier than Orteza in a thrilling finale, scoring the points that mattered most to hack out the straight-set victory in the premier class.

The 15-year-old Resma, a member of the Philippine Tennis Academy, earlier played true to form and outclassed third ranked Khim Iglupas, 6-2, 6-3, to rule the 16-and-under category of the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala with Dunlop as official ball.

“Roxanne’s twin victories underscored the big stride she has made the last couple of years and tournaments such as this gives our young players the venue where they could hone their talent and skills,” said Philta president Rep. Edwin Olivarez.

The Philta chief also lauded Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala’s backing of the annual event with Philta regional vice-president and Palawan Pawnshop chief operating officer Bobby Castro re-affirming the firm’s commitment to support the sport.

“Tennis is one sport where we Filipinos can excel and achieve international glory,” said Castro.

Meanwhile, Vincent Alanis surprised No. 7 Claudio Canlas to lead the quarterfinal cast in the boys’ 16-and-under class while top seed Michael Eala beat Miles Vitaliano, 6-1, 6-0, and No. 2 Diego Dayrit blanked Miguel Vicencio, 6-0, 6-0, to advance to the Last 8 of the 10-unisex category.

In the Inter-club event, Team Olivarez, headed by the Western Michigan University-based Pablo Olivarez III, routed Lucena City Tennis Club, 7-0, while Team Elorde bounced back from a loss to Team Cebuana with a 6-1 demolition of Villamor Tennis Club.

National U, Letran and Perpetual Help, on the other hand, toppled their rivals in the Inter-college division with the Bulldogs blasting La Salle-B, 3-0, the Knights edging Jose Rizal U, 2-1; and the Altas dominating PUP-B, 3-0.

University of the East also scored a 2-1 win over St. Benilde-A in the men’s class.

NU also stamped its class in the ladies side with its A and B teams beating St. Benilde-B, 2-1, and St. Benilde-A, 2-1, respectively. UST-B also held off La Salle-A, 2-1.