GOVPH

Quezon paddlers connive to clinch three golds

 Perfect match! Two of the finest Quezon paddlers joined forces to conquer three gold medals in elementary table tennis tournament on April 2 during the 2023 Regional Association Athletic Meet (RAAM) in Gov. D.M. Camarino Integrated School, Imus City.

Quezon Dolphins’ Liam Zion F. Cabalu and Erich Bianca D. Torzar, both hailed champions in Table Tennis Single B Elementary, merged their power doing many damages as they spearheaded offensive juggernaut to completely erased Imus City spinners once invincible net wall as they clashed for gold in mixed doubles against Imus City spinners, Elijah Hajile S. Llanda and Mandy Natalie D. Bayos, 3-0.

Mixed doubles, the latest addition category in table tennis is a revival of previous sports practice more than 20 years ago, according to the RAAM executives.

Coming from the same school worked to the tandem’s advantage as both Cabalu and Torzar had the same training program and able to play as partner in mixed doubles during their trainings.

“Mabuti po na kami ay magkasama lagi sa training dahil iisa ang aming training program at venue. Nakakapagpalo-palo kami ni Erich ng doubles on free time. Kahit paano, gamay namin ang isa’t-isa sa paglalaro,” Cabalu explained.

This statement was proven into action as they engulfed their foes with continuous drives and back spins that made Imus City surprised and failed to return the rally which made Quezon Dolphins mercilessly invade the three sets consequently: 11-3, 11-8, and 11-6.

Prior to this victory, Cabalu gained the championship tilt in Elementary Table Tennis Single B – Boys cross over finals against Rom Ivan L. Eguia of Batangas Province, 3-0.

The Quezon mighty spinner did not waste his time and strength as he flooded with unpredictable combinations of front and back spins gunning powerful drives which led Eguia to go panic and missed to return the rally.

Cabalu’s consistent attack swept off the game and did not give chances to Imus to earn a set victory, 11-5, 11-4, and 11-5.

Meanwhile, the battle to gold for Single B – Elementary Girls was crucial for Torzar of Quezon Dolphins against Batangas Province’s Hermina Stephanie R. Angcao as they clashed for four deuce sets to obtain the gold, 4 – 1.

Torzar and Angcao were both filled with enthusiasm to attack their foe in the first two sets. Both extended powerful spins and drives and both ends were well-off in block shots causing long rallies, but Quezon’s edge balls concluded the double deuce sets, 13 – 11.

Quezon had a shaky start in the third set after losing focus and unforced errors in overpowering her hits that made Batangas enjoyed the lead. Reviving her might before the end of the set, Quezon bounced back despite Batangas’ attempt to catch-up but failed in another deuce set, 12-10.

The decision set became hotter, as both lady paddlers were pressured to win the game. Torzar tried to be composed, relaxed, and stay focused. Offense and defense of both ends were notable as they almost have equal game plan and tactics leading to another deuce set, however, Batangas faulty service concluded the match, 12-10.

Quezon Dolphins Cabalu and Torzar are set to represent Region IV-A CALABARZON in Palarong Pambansa. (Written by: EDILBERT L. CADELIÑA-MT-I /Atimonan II Dstrict, Photos From: DRA. JONALYN F. CABALU)