Makoto rules Futures netfest over compatriot

MANILA, Philippines - Sixth seed Ochi Makoto pulled off an upset victory over third-seeded compatriot Kento Takeuchi, 6-2, 6-1, yesterday to capture the singles title of the $15,000 PSC-Philta International Men’s Futures Open at Valle Verde Country Club shell courts in Pasig.

The all-Japanese final still provided a surprise as Makoto dominated the big-serving Takeuchi, breaking him five times in nine opportunities to finish things off in just an hour and nine minutes.

Makoto strung up stunning victories on his way to the finals, beating second seed Harry Bourchier of Australia (6-2, 6-1) in the semifinals and fellow Japanese fourth seed Arata Onozawa (6-4, 6-3) in the quarterfinals.

In doubles action, No. 1 picks Lopez-Perez and Bourchier drubbed Issei Okamura and Kento Takeuchi, 6-4, 6-3, to win the title.