Aliss Conol
Region III

Davao City – Central Luzon’s Jenaila Prulla kept her semifinals hope alive after demolishing Justine Maneja of National Capital Region in a dominant fashion in Palarong Pambansa 2019 tennis tournament singles – secondary girls at Ecoland Phase 1 Tennis Court.

The Bulacan-based netter Prulla swept last year’s silver medalist Maneja, 7-3, to ensure top spot in her bracket.

“Kahit maliit ako, malakas naman ‘yung mga returns ko,” Prulla said.

The 14-year-old Prulla unleashed forehand smashes to control the early part of the game, building a 4-0 lead.

Central Luzon’s Jenaila Rose Prulla outshone Justine Maneja of National Capital Region in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa Tennis – Secondary Girls Qualifying Round held at Ecoland Phase 1 Tennis Court, Davao City, May 2. Photo by Bea Bianca Mastrili

Meanwhile, Maneja answered back with impressive backhand returns and forehand smashes to push a 5-3 extension.

But errors soon hounded the southpaw Maneja as Prulla fired multiple smashes to finish the match.

Crowd favorite Prulla will be facing Althea Martirez of Western Visayas to settle who will occupy the first seat in the final four.

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