Jacob Lagman, only 15 years old, is the 15th seed of the Cebuana Lhuillier Men’s Tennis Open. Yesterday morning, he was impressive. Against Roel Capangpangan, a player from Manila who beat him at the PCA Open last year, he displayed toughness.
Down 6-2 in the first set and 2-1 in the second set, Jacob won 11 of the next 13 games. Final score: 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. Winner: Lagman.
Today, Jacob plays Joseph Victorino (at 4p.m.) in the quarterfinals. As I said, impressive. Tomorrow (regardless of today’s result), he and fellow age-grouper Jurence Mendoza fly to India. They’ll represent our nation in the Junior Davis Cup event.
Elbert “Onyok” Anasta is the No. 2 seed. Last week, he reached the finals of the Cainta (Rizal) Tennis Open. Of late, his showing has been remarkable — thanks to his being one of the four players of the Philippine Davis Cup team. But, two days ago, he was upset. Joseph Victorino, a former No.1 player of our nation (back in 2003), has been in Japan for several years now. He’s been coaching tennis. Now, he’s back. And he beat Anasta for this week’s biggest upset.
Johnny Arcilla? I saw him play yesterday morning. Stunning. Overwhelming. Those are words best to describe his showing this week. He’ll be very difficult to stop on Sunday, the championship day.
Today, all the quarterfinal matches in singles and doubles will start. Matches begin at 3 p.m. and will last until the night. See all the baseline action at the aptly-named venue, Baseline.
