TATAP Extension

By Richard D. Meriveles

Day 1 Highlights (June 28, 2008)

Lights!, Camera!, ACTION!!!!!

After a ceremonial program with Former Games and Amusement Board Commissioner and now incumbent City Councilor of Bacolod HON. ALEX A. PAGLUMOTAN, all participating teams paddled out to outwit, outshine & outnumber for the kick-off THE 2ND SANLOU’S GOODWILL TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT.

In anticipation of the much awaited fight between Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and David “Dangerous” Diaz, Sanlou’s Table Tennis Club’s atmosphere was transformed into an Epic battle Arena between teams that strives for both “Prize and Pride” by displaying courage, style, strength, endurance, stamina, and a true example of a competitive athlete.

One of the major highlights of the day is the match between Joola – Royal Truckhaus and Ioilo City’s Guimbal Table Tennis Club.  It was the match between “The Executive” Arnie Uy (Joola) and The Rising Talent Jee Ar Gicana(Iloilo) that brought the crowd into a heart-pounding moment  of exhilarating excitement as they alternately snatch the lead on each other.

Starting off slow like a diesel engine, Uy warms up with his trademark “jog on the table and backhand returns” while Gicana vigorously presses the lead.  It was a stift 7-11 finish grabbed by Gicana.  He continued his onslaught over Uy in the 2nd set with a 9-11 finish but this time the crowd was starting to notice their “SHOUTS” and “YELLS”.  As the temperature rise degrees higher, Uy rebounded with series of blocks, counter attacks and unbelievable feats that only a veteran can execute, “THE VETERAN’S MOVE”, this time Uy strikes back by dissecting Gicana via 6-11 finish.

Eager and fiery, Gicana used different tactic in the 4th set to outshine Uy’s determination.  Rally after rally until they reached 10-10 “deuce situation” bringing the crowd to jump off their feet!.  Gicana’s eagerness indeed is strong but Uy was roaring with eagerness like a Lion to every point that he acquires.  Uy strongly finishes with a thin 13-11 lead.

Now the crowd grows larger as their final set approaches, slowly they went to their corner to receive uncanny tactics from their own teammates.

Final set starts aflame with Uy and Gicana wisely exchanging pound-for-pound blows of topspins, heavy chops, and sharp sidespins. This set is very close that they alternately snatch each point at a time until it went down to another 10-10 deadlock.

The crowd went to a moment of space and time as they silently observe the two rivals eagerly concentrating for the 2 consecutive points to win the match.

The situation is like inside a pressure cooker.  Uy carefully executed each shot with a classic backhand block and forehand loop while his opponent on the other side relentlessly attacks with sheer power and speed.  Until a close table counterspin executed by Gicana that has brought Uy an off-balance, 5-feet high return from the surface of the table.  Just as we thought that the opportunity was of Gicana’s, the ball hit the edge of the racket and the supporters of Uy went wild of the bench!  10-11.

Now comes the final touch, serve from Uy.  Rally after rally and a final blow from the victor!.  Arnie Uy emerges as glorious winner with 10-12 matchpoint.

Another similar game went down the stretch when Joola – Royal Truckhaus and Sanlou Table Tennis Club clashed each other.  Ferdinand “Wong Fei Hong” Jong(Joola) and Rhomel Ordena(Sanlou) electrified the crowd with 5 sets of unrelenting display of sheer power and classic offense defense play. Ordena grabbed the match with 3-2 lead over Jong.

This tournament is sponsored by:  Saligumba Family through Tita Nida Morris, Tita Nelly Ortega, Santiago Saligumba, Sr., Shakey’s SM through its Manager Mr. Shaun Atilano, Chinky’s Snack & JSY Travel Tours through Mr. Jeffrey Sy and Mr. Rudy Sy, Joola our official ball through Mr. Philip Uy and Mr. Arnie Uy, Coca-Cola, Pepsi Cola, JOY Ads through Mr. Ferdinand Dano-og and Mr. Rodel Delos Reyes, CC & R Purified Drinking Water through Mr. Ferdinand Jong.

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