Six more doubles champions crowned

Half a dozen teams found success while taking center stage in different doubles finals in Wednesday’s edition of the inaugural Aon Insurance Tennis Tournament held at the American Memorial Park tennis courts.

Leading the way was the dynamic duo of Lope Padilla and Lito Cabrera, who battled fellow veterans Roy Pangelinan and Peter Loyola in the finals of the men’s open competition.

The bout was nothing short of spectacular as the four players each wowed the crowd with strong play at the net and impressive winners.

The two teams split the first eight games of the set, 4-4, and already much of the attention was turned to the bout as the early portion of the contest featured countless shots that electrified the venue.

Padilla and Cabrera were able to win the next point and were successful on serve in the 10th game of the set to close out with a 6-4 victory.

Loyola and Pangelinan remained determined despite dropping a close battle, and storming back in the second set. It was not easy, but the two had everything click their way to score a 6-2 victory and force a do-or-die third set.

Neither team was willing to give in as both responded well to each other’s attacks. The teams matched each other well and were tied at 5-5 when Padilla and Cabrera caught big breaks and came up with big hits to storm ahead and earn the title, 7-5.

Loyola still has something to smile about, though, as he and Cleofe Santos were able to take the mixed doubles open. With Pangelinan this time on the other end of the court with Young Son, Loyola and Santos were able to survive their test and won in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.

It was a successful night for Santos as well as she left the venue with two titles as she and Hector Benitez won via default over Renato and Vangie Espanola to take the mixed doubles 4.0 crown.

Ricky Castro also walked away with two titles as he joined forces with youth standout Thea Minor to win the mixed doubles 3.0 and teamed with Ruben Leynes to take home top honors in the men’s 3.0.

Castro and Minor had their work cut out for them against the Ramsey duo of Dr. Gray and Karen, and after dropping the first set, 4-6, Castro and Minor showcased their determination by taking a very tough second set, 7-6 (10-8). It got a bit easier in the third as the two won 6-2.

Right after, Castro played with Leynes on the same court against Art Lopez and Mario Buensuceso and again got through a three-setter with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory.

Meanwhile, Ronnie Lacbayo and Mel Pila earned the men’s 4.0 doubles title with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Benitez and Renato Espanola.

The women’s 4.0 finals was played yesterday at 4pm, but results were still not available as of pres time. Immediately after the bout, the Saipan Tennis Association hosted all players and supporters to an awards banquet.

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.