San Jose Fiesta tennis concludes

The 2005 San Jose Fiesta Tennis Tournament concluded yesterday at the Tinian Youth Center tennis courts with players from the home island capturing championships in six of the eight divisions.

Tinian Tennis Association president Sonny Decena won the title in the men’s 4.0, beating Father Ryan Jimenez in three tightly fought sets, 6-1, 5-7, 7-5.

Decena got his finals ticket with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Edgar Carunan, while Jimenez benefited from a walkover win against Lemuel Arabelo in the semis.

Vastly improved Jonathan San Nicolas, meanwhile, prevented a Decena family sweep of the men’s singles when he turned back Decena’s 11-year-old son Benjie in another three-set thriller 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to rule the men’s 2.0.

San Nicolas gave Herman Hofschneider a 6-0, 6-0 beating, while Decena overcame 14-year-old Cory San Nicolas 1-6, 6-0, 6-1 in both finalists’ semifinal assignments.

Jennifer Uy then gave her mom, Ellen, a fitting Mothers Day present when she gift-wrapped the women’s 2.0 title losing 3-6, 4-6.

Ellen advanced with a 6-4, 6-1 win against Leriza Debrum, while Jennifer joined Mom in the finals with a 6-1, 7-5 triumph over Lenny Panteleon.

In the men’s 4.0 doubles, brothers Budoy and Edwin Mocorro outlasted Ricky Castro and Arabelo in two sets 6-2, 6-1 to hoist the championship trophy.

Cory San Nicolas and Benjie Decena went all the way in the men’s 2.0 doubles when the youngsters outplayed Jonathan San Nicolas and Hofschneider 7-5, 6-3.

Sue Reyes and Linda Decena won the championship of the women’s doubles 3.0 after the tandem disposed of Lucita Pasana and Panteleon 6-3, 5-7, 6-0.

Tinian also claimed half of the mixed doubles 3.0 championship when Joe San Nicolas teamed up with Saipan’s Nelia Luna to win the division.

San Nicolas and Luna conspired to defeat Feel Kalen and Pasana 3-6, 6-3, 4-2 (retired) in the finals.

The only title that actually slipped through the grasp of Tinian netters was the women’s 3.0 division, which was taken home by Luna.

Luna defeated Emily Cuan 6-1, 6-0 to annex the championship. Luna barged into the finals with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Arly Long, while Cuan registered a walkover win against Ayumi Cajigan.

The TTA officers and members would like to thank 10th Tinian Municipal Council chairman Edwin P. Aldan for providing the trophies as well as sponsors K Amusement, EC Payday, and D&D Corp.

TTA also would like to extend its appreciation to members of the Saipan Tennis Association for braving the high surf and sacrificing Mothers Day weekend to participate in the tournament.