BACKHAND. Ateneo de Manila University rookie John David Velez returns a two-handed backhand against University of the East top singles player Marc Suson during the UAAP Season 86 men's tennis tournament at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila on Wednesday (Feb. 21, 2024). Ateneo won, 3-2. (UAAP photo)
MANILA – Ateneo de Manila University banked on rookie John David Velez to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 86 men's tennis tournament at the Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old native of Ormoc City rallied past Marc Suson, 6-4, 7-5, to carry the Blue Eagles to a 3-2 victory over the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors.
"I lost several key players from last season, but I got new ones, which is a good thing," Ateneo head coach Gee Abacan said.
“When we play against UE, it's always been 3-2, not 4-1 nor 5-0; it's really hard. I'm happy that Velez won because imagine 6-0 in the first set and he got cramps," he added.
Despite facing a tough challenge against UE's top singles player in the third set, Velez managed to pull through.
The Blue Eagles led 2-0 in the tie after Noy Seno beat Jarell Edangga, 6-2, 6-4, and Nio Tria and Axl Gonzaga downed Dawson Ormoc and RJ Singson, 7-6(7), 6-2.
The Red Warriors leveled the score after Romeo Largo Jr. defeated Austin Delos Santos, 6-3, 6-2, and Kent Morales and RJ Baje won over JJ Llavore and Stef Gurria, 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(7).
Ateneo is now tied for the lead with the defending champion University of Sto. Tomas at 2-0 while UE absorbed its first loss in three outings.
UST clobbered the University of the Philippines, 4-1, with Season 85 MVP Nilo Ledama wrapping up the tie with a 6-2, 6-3 decision over rookie Andrei Jarata.
Ericjay Tangub prevailed over Zire Mina, 6-0, 6-2, to give UST a 1-0 lead but UP levelled the score when Loucas Fernandez trounced Brent Cortes, 6-3, 6-2.
The Growling Tigers made it 3-1 after Richard Bautista and Vince Sereno outplayed Karl Miguel and Jonas Silva, 7-5, 6-4, and Steven Sonsona and Symon Jaculan downed Rafael Liangco and Hakim Boloto, 6-2, 6-3.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University outclassed Adamson University, 4-1, for its first win in three starts. Adamson is winless in three outings. (PNA)
