Letran netters edge Lions, near NC crown

MANILA, Philippines - Letran downed San Beda, 2-1, to close in on the seniors lawn tennis crown even as Perpetual Help grounded San Sebastian, 2-1, to stay in the title hunt in Season 90 of the NCAA at the Rizal Tennis Center yesterday.

Jose Nicolas dumped Vincent Anida, 6-2, 6-0, in the first singles to give the Knights a 1-0 edge but Anida teamed up with John Gulto in edging Marcus and Miguel del Rosario, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, in the doubles to tie the count.

Emanuel Fuellas, however, waylaid Pete Oterun, 6-2, 6-0, in the deciding singles to seal the Muralla-based netters’ victory. Letran, which took the first round pennant, thus moved within two wins from clinching the title.

The Altas, meanwhile, turned back the Stags on wins by Ed Barangan over Francis Parangan, 6-2, 6-2, and Elbert Bacong against Victor Oto, 7-6, 6-0, to stay in contention.

Arjohn dela Cruz and Ryan Labactida provided the only win for San Sebastian after trouncing Chad Bustalino and Rene Sevilla, 6-1, 6-2, in doubles.