Champions receive trophies in Aon tennis

After two weeks of intense competition, champions and runners-up in the inaugural Aon Insurance Tennis Tournament shared the spotlight as organizers presented them their hard-earned trophies Thursday evening at the American Memorial Park tennis courts.

The tournament, which was organized by the Saipan Tennis Association, began on April 20 and concluded with its last match on Thursday. The event featured competition in men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

“The turnout was very good,” said STA president Roy Pangelinan. “It was successful and we’re all happy with it,” he added while also expressing appreciation to Aon Insurance for sponsoring the event, as well as players and all supporters for their contributions.

Leading the cast of single schampions were Ji Hoon Heo in the men’s open, Lila Mailman in the women’s open, Buddy Garote in the men’s 4.5, Simon Gregorio in the men’s 4.0, Merle Hudkins in the women’s 4.0, Dr. Gary Ramsey in the men’s 3.0, Thea Minor in the women’s 3.0, and Aldrin Santa Ana in the men’s 2.0.

Doubles winners include Lope Padilla and Lito Cabrera in the men’s open, Roy Pangelinan and Dino Jones in the men’s 4.5, Ronnie Lacbayo and Mel Pila in the men’s 4.0, Ricky Castro and Ruben Leynes in the men’s 3.0, Bobby Nato and Ramon Angeles in the men’s 2.0, Vivian Lee and Mailman in the women’s open, Peter Loyola and Cleofe Santos in the mixed doubles open, Hector Benitez and Santos in the mixed doubles 4.0, and Castro and Minor in the mixed doubles 3.0.

“The competition was very tough,” Pangelinan said. “All the players have to earn it. There were no freebees. All the players had to work hard for all the points and had to do their best to win, so the competition was really good.”

Pangelinan explained that despite all the tough and challenging bouts, all players were able to showcase fine sportsmanship, which to him, was something the organizers were very happy with.

“Of course there were some games that were heated because they were really close. We had a lot of matches that went three sets, and some of the two-set matches were still very close, but the players really controlled themselves and showed good sportsmanship. They’re having fun now during the banquet. From what I’ve heard from players, it was a simple banquet but it was good.”

Also, Pangelinan recognized the efforts of three new players who made their debuts during the tournament. Joab brothers Zack, Thomas, and Joel all competed, with Zack making it to the 2.0 finals.

“We’re always trying to encourage others to play. When we see them, we try to persuade them to play more often. I told them not to be discouraged because they didn’t make it. The more practice they play, the better they’ll be and hopefully someday they’ll make it,” Pangelinan said.

He said the next tournament organized by STA will possibly be held within three to four months.

For more information about the inaugural Aon Insurance Tennis Tournament, call Roy Pangelinan at 287-7697, Nelia Luna at 287-0859, Ricky Castro at 234-5091, Richard Asuncion at 287-0856, Edwin Maratas at 287-0870, Babu Malayil at 287-4472, Peter Loyola at 285-3135, Lenny Pantaleon at 285-9500, or email saipan_tennis@yahoo.com.