Action continues in Taga Tennis

The road to crowning champions in the 3rd Annual Taga Tennis Tournament continues as intense action was featured Sunday evening at the American Memorial Park tennis courts.

Peter Loyola moved ahead in the men’s open singles after having his way against Richard Asuncion 6-4, 6-2, while Nicolas Son was taken to the limit before finding just enough juice to beat Lito Cabrera 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-3).

Fellow youth standout Ralph Buenaventura also advanced with an easy 6-1, 6-0 victory over Lope Padilla while Daniel Son cruised past Keith Gabaldon 6-2, 6-0.

In the men’s 2.0 division singles, Vener Urena moved to the semifinals after beating Romel Rusuello, 6-0, 6-2. Rusuello advanced past the opening round to face Urena with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Romy Pandero Saturday.

For his part, Toshi Beltau kept his title hopes alive in the men’s 4.5 singles after beating fellow veteran Richard Asuncion in straight sets, 6-4 and 6-4. Also advancing in the division was Bong Gamab, who stopped Father Ryan Jimenez 6-4, 6-2. He will face Nanding Cajigan, who had to pull the right strings to beat Roy Pangelinan, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4.

In the women’s action, Vangie Espanola reached the semifinals of the women’s 3.0 after sizzling past Sue Reyes 6-0, 6-1. She had earlier defeated Ellen Uy in the first round Saturday 6-2, 6-0.

Meanwhile, mixed doubles action continued with Espanola and Ruben Leynes strolling past Leriza Debrum and Ramon Angeles, while Babu Malayil and Reyes came through in a nail-biting match against Noel Manalang and Debrum 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (8-6).

Tournament action continued yesterday, however, results were not available as of press time. Singles and mixed doubles play continues until Dec. 8, while doubles action will be held from Dec. 9 to 16.

A total of 64 champion and runner-up trophies would be up for grabs in 20 divisions, including the new men’s doubles over-100.

The tournament is organized and hosted by the Saipan Tennis Association, and is sponsored by Pacific Trading Co.

For more information, call STA president Roy Pangelinan at 256-7769, vice president-internal Nelia Luna at 288-5151 or 288-0859, vice president-external Ricky Castro at 285-7344, or officers Agnes Salazar at 286-8472, Vangie Espanola at 285-1468, Richard Asuncion at 287-0856, Edwin Maratas at 287-0870, Noel Manalang at 287-4415, or Peter Loyola at 483-3424. Those interested can also send email to STA at saipan_tennis@yahoo.com.