Cebuano Pantino advances in two divisions of Tru-Flex tennis

ARTHUR Craig “Iggy” Diaz Pantino advanced to the third round in the 14 and 16 under categories in the ongoing 13th Tru-Flex National Age Group 2012 at the San Juanico Tennis Courts at the Ayala Alabang Village in Manila.

The second seeded Pantino eliminated Li-Yang Thean in straight sets, 6-0, 6-0, in the second round of the 14-under. He will next face John  Angelo Cerezo.

In the 16-under, the University of San Carlos South Campus student’s debut in the category was made easy with both his opponents in the first and second round defaulting their matches.

As a result, Pantino, who is being sponsored by Kirschbaum Strings Germany, advanced to the third round without ever lifting a racket and breaking a sweat.

Today, his mettle against players about four years his senior will finally be tested as he faces Ralph Fernandez.

The tournament is a Group 1 Philippine Tennis Association-sanctioned tournament and will award 200 points for each category champion.  /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON