Japanese netters rule ATF Under-14 bash

Japanese bets ruled the Mariposa Foundation Cup / Asian Tennis Federation Under-14 event held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. Takeru Watanabe of Japan overpowered Betto Danie Orendain of the Philippines, 6-1, 6-2, to clinch the boys’ singles crown. Nearly overshadowed by her compatriot’s triumph in the men’s event was Mayu Okawa, who defeated fellow Japanese Shiori Fukuda, 5-7, 6-2, 6-2, even as they showed their dominance in this under-14 event sanctioned by the Asian Tennis Federation and organized by the Philippine Tennis Association. The Japanese girls teamed up later for the doubles event to wallop local bets Meredith Jones and Delizavernimas Kaur, 6-2, 6-0. Japan nearly swept all the events, but Filipinos Jeremiah Latorre and Albert Lim, Jr. spoiled the party and defeated the pair of Watanabe and Yosuke Higashi, 6-4, 6-2, in the boys' doubles finals. “This is a good indication. Our Filipino athletes need more tournaments such as this one. Our 12-year-and-under competitors should start competing in the 14-under, which will prepare them for future international events," said Ajhay Pathak, director of competition of the ATF and the only Asian member in the ITF. Pathak, an Indian nationa now based in the Philippines, believes creating more tournaments such as this one will enable the country to produce more world-class players like Jeson Patrombon, now the country’s top junior player. - RCJ, GMANews.TV