Manduriao sizzles for two titles in Head junior tennis

MANILA, Philippines - Erika Manduriao captured two titles to lead the winners in the eighth leg of the Head Junior Satellite Circuit national tennis age-group tournament at the La Paz Tennis Club in Iloilo City recently.

Manduriao outlasted Elgy Dasian, 7-5, 6-1, to rule the girls’ 18-and-U singles division then upset top seed Janele Llavore, 7-5, 6-3, in the 16-and-U finals to complete a double victory in the annual event backed by Smart Sports, Chris Sports, Meralco, Maynilad, Toalson and Head.

“My hard work finally paid off. I’m happy winning these two titles,” said Manduriao, who struggled in the early part of the circuit but found her rhythm in Iloilo. “I didn’t give up trying and I’m happy to finally win a twin title.”

Rodolfo Barquin and Janus Ringia matched that feat by topping the boys’ 18- and 16-under singles and 14- and 12-and-U categories, respectively.

Barquin defeated Emmanuel Vacalares Jr., 6-1, 7-5, to pocket the 18-and-U crown then trounced RJ Singson, 6-4, 6-3, in the 16-and-U category.

Top seed Ringia annexed the boys’ 14-under singles crown by beating Stephen Tubbs, 6-4, 6-1, then followed it up with a 6-3, 6-2 win over JC Martinez for the 12-and-U diadem.

Llavore, 13, bounced back to repulse Shyne Villareal, 6-3, 2-6, 11-9, and cop the 14-under singles plum in the event which drew 181 participants from all over the country.

Carlyn Bless Guarde turned back Gennifer Pagente, 6-2, 4-6, 10-6, to claim the girls’ 12-under singles title.  

Angelo Mejia defeated John Bolivar, 6-4, 6-4, to snare the 10-unisex crown.