The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Cebu province dominated the first leg of the Peugeot Philippines Tennis Open (PPTO) in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City, thanks to siblings Bernardine and Sally Mae Siso, former varsity tennis players of the University of San Carlos, who won in the men’s and women’s division, respectively, earning them a ticket to play in the PPTO National Finals in February 2016.
Twenty-two year-old Bernardine edged out 44-year-old Danilo Sajonia at the Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Complex with 6-3, 6-1 victory, while his sister Sally Mae outclassed Janelle Carmela Llavore with a score of 6-3, 6-1 in a match that ran for 85 minutes.
Llavore bowed to the Cebuana, despite registering break serves in the first set and aces during the second set.
Sally Mae continued her winning streak by claiming the women’s doubles finals division title in CDO with her partner Charise Java. She and Java were unstoppable with a 6-1, 6-3 finish over competitors Llavore and Anjelica Mosqueda.
“I’m very happy (that) I won both divisions in the PPTO CDO leg. Honestly, I did not expect to win, because there were so many talented players in the tournament,” Sally Mae said. She added that this leg is her last tournament for the year, and that she’ll be preparing for the national finals next year.
Meanwhile, Bernardine and teammate Bernan Lou Bering lost to Sajonia and Lenario Autentico in the men’s doubles. The latter emerged as the victors after a 10-4 heartstopping tie-break set.
”We’re very pleased with the outcome of the first leg of the PPTO. We’re looking forward to meeting more tennis talents in the upcoming tournament legs,” Peugeot Philippines President Glen Dasig said.
Aside from the cash prizes from Peugeot Philippines and giveaways from tournament sponsor Wilson, the champions of the PPTO CDO leg will face the winners of the other four regional qualifying legs in the national finals, to be held in Manila in February.
The PPTO will hold its next regional leg in Nueva Ecija province from November 2 to 8.