ARTHUR Pantino enhanced a promising tennis career by upending two of the country’s top guns, stunning top seed Johnny Arcilla in the semis then upending No. 2 and SEA Games doubles gold medalist Jeson Patrombon, 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-1, to clinch the PPS-PEPP Dagitab Festival Open crown at the City of Naga Tennis Courts in Cebu yesterday.
The 18-year-old University of San Carlos ace held his ground against the veteran Arcilla and pulled off a surprise 6-3, 6-4 victory then kept his poise against Patrombon, winning their thrilling baseline duel that saw him fight off three match points to complete a dream week.
Pantino, who scored back-to-back victories in the ITF (International Tennis Federation) junior circuit and swept the two-leg PHINMA juniors at the Manila Polo Club this year, pocketed the P40,000 top purse in the event put up by Palawan Pawnshop Palawan Express Pera Padala headed by president/MEan Bobby Castro and presented by Dunlop.
“It’s inspiring to see young talents hold their own against the veterans and then coming out as winners. Pantino just showed that through hard work and determination, anything is possible,” said Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.
