Upsets mark Aon Insurance tennis

The inaugural Aon Insurance Tennis Tournament claimed its first upset victims as singles action continued Saturday night at the American Memorial Park tennis courts.

Many time local champion and former pro ATP player Faheem Ebrahim gave the tournament a go despite being inactive for months, but was forced to retire against Nanding Cajigan, despite leading 6-2, 5-2 in the men’s open.

Ji Joon Heo, who is now one of the favorites to win the men’s 5.0 along with Peter Loyola now that Ebrahim has been eliminated, escaped the upset axe when he breezed past John Johnson, 6-0, 6-0.

Johnson’s father, Ed, followed his way out the door when he succumbed to baseliner Lito Cabrera in a similar score, 6-1, 6-0.

A day after losing to Tony Santos in the men’s 4.0, Father Ryan Jimenez exacted revenged when he upset the former educator, 7-5, 5-7, retired, in the men’s 4.5.

Saipan Tennis Association president Roy Pangelinan, meanwhile, was engaged in a dogfight against newcomer Simeon Gregorio but ultimately found a way to win in his 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5) triumph in the men’s 4.5.

Art Borromeo and Abet Encarnacion, meanwhile, advanced to the quarterfinals of the men’s 4.0 after turning back opponents in tough matches.

Borromeo withstood the rampage of temperamental Jess Pacheco, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, while Encarnacion outlasted Ruben Leynes, 5-7, 6-4, retired.

In the men’s 3.0, Romnick Sotto won via walkover against Roy Banados, Jo Joab defeated Das Narayanan (2-6, 6-2, 6-3), Babu Malayil beat Amado Esmero (6-4, 6-0), Ricky Castro advanced to the next round when Bobby Nato failed to suit up, Isagani Cortez found success against Orly De Leon (6-2, 6-3), and Thomas Joab survived Ramon Angeles (6-4, 3-6, 6-4).

Aldrin Sta. Ana and Romy Pandoro barged into the Final Four of the men’s 2.0 following wins against Noel Biglote and James Camacho, respectively. Sta Ana won 6-3, 6-3, while Pandoro opened his own personal Pandora’s Box in dealing a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 conquest of Camacho.

The lone women’s match saw youngster Theo Minor get the better of Bel Busy, 6-1, 6-1.

The singles competition will continue throughout he first few days of this week and will be followed by doubles competition.

Doubles will feature play in men’s, women’s, and mixed open, men’s, women’s, and mixed 4.0, and men’s, women’s, and mixed 3.0. STA was to hold a draw for the doubles and mixed doubles competition yesterday at the AMP clubhouse.

For more information about the inaugural Aon Insurance Tennis Tournament, call Roy Pangelinan at 287-7697, Nelia Luna at 287-0859, Ricky Castro at 234-5091, Richard Asuncion at 287-0856, Edwin Maratas at 287-0870, Babu Malayil at 287-4472, Peter Loyola at 285-3135, Lenny Pantaleon at 285-9500, or email saipan_tennis@yahoo.com.