Journey to top of Coconut Classic begins
The journey to crowning champions in the 2005 Coconut Classic Tennis Tournament got underway yesterday, with players taking the American Memorial Park by storm, determined to execute the best they can to advance to the next round.
Tennis sensation Mayuko Arriola was her usual self in her first action of the yesterday’s Northern Marianas Tennis Association tourney, beating Karen Ramsey in the Women’s Singles 8-0. Matty Buenaventura was also just as sharp, dominating against Sally Wong for an 8-0 win as well.
In the men’s Over 40 category, Ed Johnson outplayed Gary Ramsey and advanced to the next round with an 8-3 victory.
Keith Gabaldon also made an impressive start and had his way against Nate Algaier for an easy 8-0 win in the boys’ 18-and-under, while Hon Suk Chang experienced the same success, beating In Yon Ching for an 8-0 win.
The boys’ 14-and-under division, however, featured a tough and exciting battle between Phillip Park and Woo Suk Chung, with Park mustering enough juice to pull out a thrilling 8-6 victory.
Meanwhile, Henry Yang had an easier time on the court, pounding away against Dong Hyun Min for an 8-0 win.
Defending champion Benjie Decena of Tinian, who was recently named Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association Male Student Athlete of the Year for 2004, was again successful and advanced to the next round with ease, beating Rodger Lee 8-0.
Christian Camacho was also on the top of his game and survived to play another round in the boys’ 10-and-under category with an 8-3 win over Andrew Johnson, while Melody Johnson was just as dominant, shutting down Adele Hodkins in the girls corner, 8-0.
The singles and mixed up doubles play in the Coconut Classic continues today and is expected to conclude on Monday.
Other games were still ongoing yesterday, and results will be made available today.
For more information on the Coconut Classic, contact tournament director Joe Motto at 287-9300.