Pantino blanks foe in Olivarez tennis

AFTER A much-needed rest, Cebu’s top netter Arthur Craig “Igi” Diaz Pantino started his title bid in the age-group category of the Olivarez-Philta Open Tennis Championships with a bang yesterday at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat Paranaque.

Pantino advanced to the next round in the 14-under boys, wherein he is seeded third, with a straight set demolition of Ambrose Besas, 6-0, 6-0.

The Cebuano netter will get a rest today then will face Jacob Co in the 16-under tomorrow.

This will be the first time that Pantino will be competing without his parents in the sidelines.

His mother Lourdes said that this will be a test for Pantino if he will be able to handle himself on his own in Manila. Pantino is staying in Manila while he continues his training under the Philippine Tennis Academy.

Lourdes said they are trying a bid for independence for their son, who is also continuing with his studies via the homeschool program of the University of San Carlos. Pantino is the first beneficiary of this program.

She said she will visit her son twice a month. If this will work, then we will continue with this plan.

Aside from the age-group, there is also the men’s and women’s singles and the doubles in this tournament, a Group 1 sanctioned event. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON