Alexa Joy Milliam prepares to return the ball during elimination round action. |
By Dugout Philippines
MAKATI--Top-seeded junior tennis players Alexa Joy Milliam and Jenaila Rose Prulla posted three straight wins to advance to the semifinals of the Cebuana Lhuillier Girls’ Tennis Challenge Under 14 and Under 16 Qualifying Tournament, held at the Makati Sports Club in Makati City.
Milliam outclassed Khymberly Jhane Mckenzie, 6-4, 6-0, on opening day and easily disposed of Jufe-Ann Cocoy, 6-2, 6-1, and Angel Denopol, 6-2, 6-0, at the end of the elimination round to stay on top of her group in the 14-and-under category.
Prulla held off Sydney Ezra Enriquez, 6-3, 4-6, 10-8, on day 1 before demolishing Julia Asaliah Ignacio, 6-1, 6-0, and Althea Fay Ong, 6-4, 6-0 to remain unbeaten in the 16-and-under category.
In other 14-under matches, 3rd ranked Tiffany Claire Nocos edged Corazon Lambonao, 6-1, 6-0, while Mica Ella Emana outclassed 2nd seed Marielle Alexi Jarata, 6-3, 6-3.
In the 16-under category, Sydney Ezra Enriquez bested Althea Fay Ong, 6-4, 5-7, 10-1, and 3rd seed Justine Hannah Maneja posted her second win at the expense of Maria Judy Ann Padilla, 6-0, 6-1, while 2nd ranked Amanda Gabrielle Zoleta overcame Kristine Guia Margarette Bandolis, 6-0, 6-2.
“We’ve seen great matches today now that we’re approaching the finals and I look forward to meeting the two players who will each champion their respective divisions,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, Unified Tennis Philippines president and Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO. “If today’s display of talent reflects the future of local tennis, then we are surely in good hands.”
Sanctioned by Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP) and supported by AXA Philippines, Standard Insurance, Dunlop, and the Makati Sports Club, the competition serves as a qualifier for the Women’s Tennis Association Future Stars Finals in China in October.
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