Lexious Cruz turned back separate rivals to rule two junior divisions and become a double titlist in the just-concluded Philippine Tennis Association Age Group Tournament at the PCA outdoor shellcourts.
Cruz, who hails from Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, defeated Alexandre Coyiuto 6-1, 6-1 in the boys’ 12-under finals, then fashioned a hard-fought 7-6 (6), 6-4 victory over John Kendrick Bona of Puerto Princesa, Palawan to capture the boys’ 14-under crown.
Joining the 11-year-old Cruz in the champion’s podium of the Philta-sanctioned Group 3 event were Jfsky Nadalito Berille, Jana Jelena Diaz, Joshua Diva, Mica Ella Emana, Exequiel Jucutan and Kaye-Anne Emana.
Berille edged Miguel Bartolome, 3-5, 5-3, 10-7, in the unisex 10-under; Diaz from Cavite downed Jayden Ballado from San Jose, NE 6-2, 6-1in the girls’ 14-under; Dapitan Tennis Club’s Diva defeated Olongapo’s Darwin Cosca Jr. 6-3, 6-2 in the boys’ 16-under; Mica Ella of Arellano Universotu dominated Novaliches’ Kaye Mustaza 6-0, 6-1 in the girls’ 16-under; Jucutan tripped Andrei Jarata 6-1, 6-3 in the boys’ 18-under; and Kaye-Ann defeated Angeline Alcala 6-1, 6-1 in the girls’ 18-under divisions.
Philta secretary general Martin Misa and national head coach Chris Cuarto represented Philta president Atty. Antonio Cablitas in presenting the Philta medals during the awarding ceremonies.
