| Her summer was hectic, demanding and tiring. The month that
just passed, however, was also rewarding for young Martina Guba, who boosted her
reputation as one of the hottest teenage tennis talents in the country. The 14-year-old
girl from La Carlota City capped a spectacular campaign outside her home province
with another double crown yesterday in the Manila leg of the Head Penn Masters
Tournament in Paranaque. Since her return from stints in the World Junior
Tennis Championships in India in April and the Junior Federation Cup in Malaysia
early this month, Guba produced a remarkable run of six titles in three tournaments,
including yesterday's victories at the Olivares Sports Center. "I'm tired,"
she told the DAILY STAR in a telephone interview. But as much as she wants
to take a break, her competitive nature seems to prevail. "The hard work
that I've been putting into my game is slowly paying off. But I will continue
training. If there are tournaments, where I will be allowed to play, I will definitely
join," she said. Guba downed long-time nemesis and Palarong Pambansa high
school silver medalist Regina Santiago, 6-3, 6-3 for the Head Penn 16-Under crown,
after a 6-4, 6-2 conquest of Shanine Olivares. It was a repeat of Guba's
straight sets win against the Olongapo-based Santiago in the 18-Under semifinals
Wednesday. "Beating Santiago is important for me because I lost to her
twice before I went to India," Guba said. In capturing the 18-Under crown,
Guba barely broke a sweat as she demolished Jazmin Tan Ho, 6-1, 6-0, to punctuate
her memorable summer stint. The Negrense netter, who wants to be in the
Philippine Team for the Southeast Asian Games in 2009, also seized the 16-Under
and 18-Under crowns in the Daza Cup. She also ruled both divisions in a tournament
held at the Manila Polo Club. Guba is planning to join the PCA Open in
November. The tournament is spiced by a foreign field and Guba said she may join
the women's open and the age-group event. *CPT Guba It was a summer to remember
for Martina Guba.* back to top
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