A paddler from Central Philippine University (CPU) displayed the sharp form expected by many as she captured three gold medals in the PHILTA Age Group tournament at the Iloilo City Tennis Center in La Paz district, Aug. 18.
Representing the Golden Lions, Althea Rose Martirez won three titles in the 18-and-under and 16-and-under girls singles events, and 18-and-under doubles event.
In the first final match, Martirez pounded Theresa Claire Nacito to snatch the gold medal in the 18-and-under. She eliminated Nacito in the 16-and-under. Completing her triple gold, she also teamed up with Maria Aguirre and outplayed Nacito and Avril Suace in the 18-and-under doubles.
In the boys’ division, Exequiel Mari Jucutan of Vigan City also ruled the six-day tournament after beating Stephen Catipon in the finals of the 18-and-under, before dominating Nikhel Nowlakha to take home the gold in the 16-and-under boys.
He then, teamed up with Joshua Hidalgo and successfully outpointed John Benedict Santiago and Elemar Sealza in the 16-and-under finals. He also paired with Jude Hidalgo and blasted Catipon and Jon Jimenea to win the 18-and-under finals gold.
In addition, Aguirre defeated Ma. Alexandria Onte in the 14-and-under girls singles and brought home the coveted title. The two also teamed up in eliminating Queen Charrae Villa and Rhaiza Borlagdan in the 14-and-under doubles.
Organized by the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA), the national governing body for tennis in the country, the competition aims to discover talents of young tennis players and become one of the best products of the country.IMT
