Pang eliminates De Guzman

SOUTHEAST Asian Games veteran Michelle Pang took teenager Akiko de Guzman to school and sent the 14-year-old packing yesterday in the first round of ladies singles action in the 28th Philippine Columbian Association Open at the PCA indoor shell clay courts in Paco, Manila.

Pang, 21, proved to good for Guzman, scoring a 6-0, 6-3 win in the tourney presented by Cebuana Lhuillier. Pang’s overconfidence, however, nearly backfired on her in the second set.

“Nawala ako sa focus, medyo nag-relax ako nung second set. Buti na lang mabilis kong nabawi ‘yung momentum, mas naging precise ako sa mga shots ko,” said Pang, who will next face Marinel Rudas, a 6-0, 7-5 winner over Ivy de Castro.

“It’s my first time to face her (Rudas) but I’m confident. I’m looking forward to surpassing my performance last year. Hopefully makapasok sa semis and eventually sa finals,” said Pang.

Third seed Aileen Rogan, sixth pick Jessica Agra and seventh rank Regina Santiago also posted victories to advance to the second round.

Rogan whipped Kirstie Barraquias 6-1, 6-0; Agra thwarted Zhane Quitara 6-4, 6-0; and Santiago blanked Jenelyn Magpayo 6-0, 6-0.

Other winners were Jasmine Tan Ho over Enah Baba 6-0, 6-0; Jonick Guba over Louise Alexandra Lopez 6-1, 6-2; Samantha Coyiuto over Jv Custodio 6-1, 6-0; Shanine Olivarez over Nikki de Dios 6-0, 6-0; and Lenlen Santos over Trudy Gine Amoranto 6-3, 6-3.

In men’s doubles action, No. 5 Ralph Kevin Barte and Cris Cuarto won over Gabby Remigio and Dennis Sta. Cruz 6-4, 6-2 to march into third round where they will face the winner of the match between the pair of Lolito Abadia and Mario Sabas against the tandem of Lawrence Formentera and Pop Sabandon.

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