Kinaadman, Velez gain top honors in Maasin netfests

MANILA, Philippines — Joshua Kinaadman flashed top form and dominated the PPS-PEPP Mayor Nikko Mercado Open Championship while John David Velez and France Lorin Idjao ruled the MCF Global national age-group at the Maasin Lawn Tennis Club in Leyte last weekend.

The top-seeded Kinaadman dropped just five games on his way to the singles finals where the Lapu-Lapu City bet reigned with a 6-2, 1-0 (ret.) win over No. 2 Norman Enriquez in the event held as part of the city’s 19th Charter Day celebrations.

In the accompanying MCF Group I age grouper, Velez swept his way to the boys’ 18-and-under singles plum with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Vinz Lominoque. He also took the 16-U title with a walkover win over Sai Lago.

A MCTA protégé and La Salle-Lipa mainstay, Lago also made it to 14-U finals and 14-U doubles finals but opted not to play due to personal reasons.

On the other hand, Idjao, from La Salle-Lipa, stunned top seed and doubles partner Gabby Zoleta in the semis, 4-2, 4-2, then repulsed Judy Anne Padilla, 6-4, 7-5, to snare the premier crown in the girls’ side.