MANILA, Philippines – Chris Justine Prulla and Gabriel Tiamson forged a title duel in the premier boys 18-under but it was 10-year-old Alexandra Eala who made waves when she entered the finals in two divisions yesterday in the 27th Andrada Cup age-group tennis championships at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
The top-seeded Prulla disposed of Norman Gaspar, 7-5, 6-1, while Tiamson scored a 6-1, 6-2 shocker over second seed Matt Steve Palasan to make the finals of the centerpiece category of the meet held in honor of Philippine Sports Commissioner and former tennis chief Salvador “Buddy” Andrada.
But the day belonged to Eala, the lefty wunderkind who trounced Gabby Zoleta, 6-1, 6-3, in the girls 16-under semifinals, before drubbing Macie Carlos, 6-0, 6-0, in the girls 14-under final four.
Fresh from her 14-under triumph in the recent PSC-Philta nationals, the fifth-grader from Colegio San Agustin will vie for the 14-under title against top seed Miles Vitaliano who advanced via a 6-3, 6-1 decision over Zoleta.
But she will face a tough battle against 16-under top seed Rafaella Villanueva who routed Ibiza Mae Perez, 6-0, 6-0, to also progress to the title match in the tourney sponsored by the PSC.
In the equally exciting boys 16-under, top pick Manuel Balce and second seed Jake Martin set up a title clash after crushing their respective foes in the semifinals.
Balce edged Palasan, 6-1, 7-5, while Martin, 15-year-old former national team member from Xavier School, handily beat Justin Suarez, 6-1, 6-0.
Juan Carlo Lapore moved to the finals of the boys 14-under after thrashing Jude Hidalgo, 6-2, 6-1. He will take on for the crown second seed Aljon Talatayod who overcame Daniel Estanislao, 6-4, 6-1.
Samuel Nuguit defeated Rafael Liangco, 6-0, 6-1, to make the finals of the boys 12-under, battling Marc Andrei Jarata who advanced at the expense of Manolo Angara, 6-2, 6-3.
Girls 12-under No. 1 pick Carlos scored a breezy 6-0, 6-0 victory over Stella Sieh, and will face in the championship second seed Kryshana Brazal, a 6-1, 6-1 winner over Marielle Alexi Jarata.
Top seed Brent So also made the finals in the 10-under unisex via default to face Mikaela Emana who defeated Joshua Diva, 4-1, 4-1.