Cebuano Pantino advances to 12-U final in Andrada net

CEBU’S Arthur Craig “Igi” Diaz Pantino is one step away from his first title of the year.

Pantino of the University of San Carlos-South Campus advanced to the finals of the 12-under division of the 23rd Andrada Cup in Manila after he made mincemeat of Raphael Teng, 6-2, 6-1, in their semifinals confrontation yesterday.

He will play for the title against Jake Martin tomorrow.

Martin grabbed his finals ticket after surging past Norman Gaspar, 6-4, 6-2 in their own semifinal affair.

Pantino is also hoping to clinch his first-ever 14-under title, which he failed to do last year.

The netter, who will be turning 11 years old this year will, will be going up against the category’s top-seed Julian Dayrit in today’s semifinals. Today will also be the first time that the two will meet in a match.

Pantino trampled past Arvin Lumaban, 6-0, 6-2, for his Final 4 entry. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON