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Tennis: PH scores double wins in World Junior Tennis in Sri Lanka

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DYAN CASTILLEJO

ABS-CBN News

<figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments" id="isPasted"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1707754087345.png" alt="Tennis" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></figure>The Philippines&#x27; Boys and Girls 14-Under Junior Teams made a strong start in the pre-qualifying event of the ITF World Junior Tennis Championships in Colombo, Sri Lanka, beating their respective opponents in the group stage on opening day.   The wins are the Philippines&#x27; first victories since the country rejoined the ITF that lifted the suspension on the Philippine Tennis Association last month.   The PH Girls Team blanked Oman, 3-0. Ave Maria Policarpio defeated Salma Al Riyami, 6-3 6-1, in the first singles match. This was followed by the win of Maristella Torrecampo against Areen Al Azkawi, 6-1 6-1. The doubles match was also won by the Philippines with the tandem of Mitchellen Cruspero and Policarpio beating the Oman due, 6-2 6-4.   Playing on the next court, the PH Boys Team upset 7th-seeded Iraq. Lexious Cruz made it 1-0 for the Philippines by beating Dahin Awla, 6-1 6-1. Iraq tied as Mustafa Mubarak defeated Lucas Go in a 3 hour, 3 set match, 7-5 2-6 6-4. The tandem of Cruz and Pete Bandala of the Philippines crushed the Iraq doubles pair, 6 2 6-1, to secure the victory.   Coach Roland Kraut commended his boys for the tough win. &quot;First day of matches playing against a seeded team right away but our boys proved they were in it to win. The second singles was a 3 hour battle and Lucas was edged out in the 3rd. But our doubles team was solid and dominated for the win. Great start for our boys,&quot; said Kraut.   Girls coach Bambi Zoleta was likewise all praises for her girls. &quot;Sobrang nakaka-proud kasi yung nag-level up talaga sila sa laro. There were a bit of nerves on day 1, new courts, new environment, unknown opponents but grabe ang determination na pinakita nila. Si Ava brought out other weapons aside from her baseline game, coming to the net at every opportunity. Si Maristella was the star of the opening day. Iyong kalaban from Oman was almost double her height but ang tapang niya, clenching her fist and shouting come on on every won point. Everyone was watching her match,&quot; she said.   The PH Boys Team will have a break on Tuesday then take on Myanmar in their next tie on Wednesday.   Meanwhile, the PH Girls Team will take on Maldives on Tuesday in the second tie in the group stage.<div> </div><div> </div>

The Philippines' Boys and Girls 14-Under Junior Teams made a strong start in the pre-qualifying event of the ITF World Junior Tennis Championships in Colombo.

The Philippines' Boys and Girls 14-Under Junior Teams made a strong start in the pre-qualifying event of the ITF World Junior Tennis Championships in Colombo.