San jose del monte: The University of Santo Tomas (UST) kicked off its title campaign with a 5-0 victory over De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 88 men's tennis tournament at the Colegio San Agustin hardcourts in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan on Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, in the singles matches, Sebastian Santos defeated Yassan Al-Anazi, 6-0, 6-1; Ericjay Tangub won against EJ Geluz with a score of 6-0, 6-0; and Christopher Sonsona overcame JT Bernardo, 6-2, 6-2. In the doubles category, UST's Evan Bacalso and Al-Zayeed Baid beat Daniel Estanislao and Kevin Garrido, 6-1, 6-1, while Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines outperformed Marcus Guinoo and Fernando Po, 6-3, 6-4. UST head coach Alexander Diego highlighted the contributions of the rookies in the first doubles match, emphasizing the importance of seeing them perform in the UAAP.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines secured a 4-1 victory over Adamson University. Carl Tan and Loucas Fernandez dominated their singles matches, defeating Herald Aton and Albretch Job, respectively. In the doubles, Andrei Jarata and Heinz Carbonilla won against Kurt Correos and Nikko Lumahang, whereas Lance Fernandez and Raymund Goco outplayed Lander Butcon and Angelo Rosales. Adamson's Miecoz Candelasa managed to prevent a shutout by rallying past Miguel Iglupas in a three-set match.
The University of the East (UE) also emerged victorious in its opening-day tie against Ateneo de Manila University, posting a 4-1 win. JB Aguilar and Bam Cabanilla gave UE an early lead by winning their singles matches decisively. Ateneo's JD Velez briefly narrowed the gap by defeating Marc Suson, but UE's pairs, Kian Sanchez with Dave Palanas and RJ Baje with Kent Morales, secured the victory by winning their respective doubles matches convincingly.
