INQUIRER Sports

PROMISING 14-YEAR-OLD Jacob Lagman proved that age makes no difference as he barged into the round of 16 in a field of 64 in the ongoing 6th leg of the Johnny Arcilla Tennis Circuit National Open at the Noah's Haven Tennis Club in Bacolod City.

Lagman of Ateneo de Cebu Sacred Heart Jesuit delivered an upset after routing no. 12 seed Juvan Divinagracia, 6-4, 6-7 (7-9), 6-1.

Lagman opened the first set with a blitz outclassing Divinagracia 5 to 2.

Divinagracia recovered enough to force a tie breaker and eventually eked out a set in his favor.

However, it proved to be Divinagracia's last hurrah as Lagman once again almost shut him out en route to victory.

Lagman will next be facing fifth-seed Rolando Ruel, Jr. for a seat in the quarterfinals in a tournament dominated by veterans.

Asked how he will plan his game against the no.5 seed, Lagman said he will give him a variety of balls to pinpoint his weakness.

Although he has not yet played against Ruel, Lagman admitted that he has seen him play and observed that he is also a variety player and a netter.

?I am hoping he cannot match my game tomorrow (today),? Lagman said.

Earlier, Lagman defeated J Paul Riblora, 6-0, 6-1, in the first round.