Pantino captures 14-U title in Toby’s tennis

CEBUANO netter Arthur Craig “Igi” Diaz Pantino continues his steady climb in the Philippine boys under-14 rankings with another title via the 2012 Toby’s Summer Tennis Festival held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

The second-seeded Pantino of the University of San Carlos South Campus thrashed 10th-seed Brsyl Libao, 6-1, 6-0, for the title. Pantino is currently ranked no. 6 in the boys 14-under category.

He barged into the finals with a 7-5, 6-3 survival of Alanis Vincent.

After ruling the singles event, Pantino then teamed up with Emmanuel Fuellas to clinch the boys 14-under doubles title against Libao and Jerome Romuladez, 3-5, 4-2 (10-5).

The duo barged into the finals with a 4-2, 4-2 defeat of the pair of Joel Atienza and Jose Mapa.

Up next for Pantino today is the Alabang 1018 tournament, which will be held at the Alabang Country Club, Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City.

The tournament will be a group 2 Philippine Tennis Association-sanctioned event. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON