Santos sizzles anew, cops 3 Palawan titles

MANILA, Philippines - Red-hot Alexie Santos sustained her fierce form and came away with another three-title romp to dominate the Cebu leg of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age-group tennis circuit presented by Technifibre at the Mactan Island Tennis Club and Mactan Airbase Tennis Club in Lapu-Lapu City over the weekend.

Santos, one of the rising stars from Puerto Princesa, faced different rivals but produced the same straight-set results to duplicate her 14-, 16- and 18-under wins in Puerto Princesa last week.

The 14-year-old Santos, unranked in the 16-and-under class, shocked second seed Shyne Villareal, 6-2, 6-2, in the quarters, humbled third seed Kristin Salimbangon, 6-0, 6-0, in the semis before holding off fellow giant-killer Alyssa Bornia, 6-4, 6-3, to pocket the title in the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop through COO Bobby Castro.

She also trounced Villareal, 6-1, 6-0, to rule the premier 18-and-U category and, as No. 6 seed, routed No. 2 Patricia Velez, 6-0, 6-1, to pocket the 14-and-U plum in the tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association headed by Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

“I’d like to thank Palawan Pawnshop for putting up this series of tournaments where we, young players, develop and hone our skills and talent,” said Santos, adding that she dreams of representing the country in various competitions abroad.

“I really want to play for the country and I’m putting a lot of hard work and effort to improve my game and gain a spot in the national team,” added Santos.

Averille Sacapano took the 12-and-U crown with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Mae Repollow while John David Velez upended top seed Cesar Salimbangon, 6-2, 7-6(4) to snare the 10-unisex diadem.

“Santos best exemplifies the youth’s determination to excel and dominate at very young age. We hope to produce more of her as we stay committed in our vision to produce future national team members,” said Castro.