Rivera, Velez cop 2 Palawan President’s Cup tennis crowns

Shaira Rivera came away with twin victories while John David Velez dominated the younger classes to  lead the winners in Series 57 of the Palawan Pawnshop President’s ELO Cup regional age-group tennis circuit in Sultan Kudarat recently.

The No. 2 Rivera overpowered top seed Nicole Bautista, 6-2, 6-2, to capture the girls’ 18-and-under crown.

The 14-year-old find from Compostela Valley then repulsed Sharyl delos Santos, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, to annex the 16-U plum at Isulan Capitol Tennis Club.

Velez matched that feat later, holding off Eric Comendador, 6-4, 6-4, to bag the boys’ 12-U diadem and turning back April Bentillo, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, for the 10-unisex crown in the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop through COO Bobby Castro and sanctioned by Philta under president and Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

Top seed Patricia Velez outlasted Carlyn Guarde, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, for the girls’ 14-U title while Bentillo made up for her failed 10-unisex bid with a 6-2, 7-6 (2) win over Angelica Novis in the 12-U finals.