Abdulqahar cops two titles in Smart-Head San Pablo leg

Manila, Philippines - Promising junior netter Allian Abdulqahar finally took home a leg title – not one but two titles – in the Smart presents HEAD 13th Junior Tennis Satellite Circuit 2011 age-group national tour San Pablo leg recently at the Alina tennis center in San Pablo City.

Abdulqahar, 13, pulled off an astonishing 10-8 upset against Rogelio Estanio Jr. in the boy’s 16-and-under division to capture his first title in the 70-day 13th leg national circuit supported by Chris Sports, Meralco, Maynilad, Head, and the official ball, Toalson.

“I guess he (Estanio) is so tired of winning,” said Abdulqahar, who came up short most of the time during the early legs. “I capitalized on the opportunities. Estanio is really a great and talented player. He plays and hit so hard.”

Abdulqahar swept Ernesto Gatdula perfectly, 10-0, to win also the boys’ 14-under crown for his second title in San Pablo, known the city of seven lakes – Sampalok, Palakpakin, Yambo, Bunot, Pandin, Muhikap, and Calibato.

Estanio Jr. outlasted Miguel Belda, 10-5, in the finals to take home the boys’ 18-under title while the girls’ 18 crown was won by Andrea Regino who defeated Catherine Padilla, 10-7, in the Philta-sanctioned tournament.

Padilla, though, rebounded in the girl’s 16 under class by subduing Ma. Dominique Ong, 10-2, to gain the crown of the event co-sponsored by Smart Communications Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan and Smart Sports head Patrick Gregorio.

The 13-leg national junior tennis circuit on its 13th year in Metro Manila started on Monday at the Meralco tennis courts in Ortigas City where more than 430 junior netters are playing until June 5 to earn ranking points from PHILTA.

The Metro Manila opening ceremony was well-attended with Christopher Tang, founder of circuit and president of Dynamic Inc/Head Philippines as host. Also present in the tennis VIP line up were Elizabeth Tang, Chris Sports president, Gilbert Tang, Chris Sports managing director, Liza Tang, Dynamic sports managing director and champion of the Head Junior Elite Program that grants support to promising junior netters.

More tennis VIPs include Guilly Nocom of Babolat Philippines/Technosports, Manny and Chris Tan of Dunlop Philippines/AsiaTraders, and Nandy Padua, senior manager of Meralco’s Sports and Youth Advocacy, who delivered motivational anecdotes to the all-eager 430 junior players.