Catubag, Quilario claim BVR International Santa Ana Open tiara
CHAMPS. Lot Catubag and Karen Quilario stamp their class in the Beach Volleyball Republic International Santa Ana Open. Contributed photo
CAGAYAN, Philippines – Lot Catubag and Karen Quilario continued to rake in beach volleyball titles, this time in the Beach Volleyball Republic (BVR) International Santa Ana Open on Sunday, June 10.
Playing under heavy rain and wind, Catubag and Quilario still played brilliant as ever in the soggy sand to hack out a 21-14, 21-14 sweep over Iloilo's DM Demontaño and Jackie Estoquia and completed a perfect campaign in the two-day spikefest.
The Davao duo, who made it to the Round of 12 of the recent FIVB World Tour Manila Open, add the Santa Open crown to the BVR championship they won a few months ago in Dagupan.
Meanwhile, Malaysians Raja Nazmi Hussin and Mohd Aizzat Zokri toppled University of the Visayas' Kevin Juban and Raphy Abanto, 21-17, 21-18, to emerge as champions in the men's division.
After struggling against FEU's Jeremiah Barrica and Kevin Hadlocon on opening day, Malaysia went on a 5-match win streak to win the gold.
"Actually, it's all about communication," said Aizzat after the pair claimed the $3,500 top prize.
Tuguegarao's Charo Soriano and Bea Tan settled for bronze after dispatching Harbor Pilot-Cebu's Therese Ramas and Dij Rodriguez with a come-from-behind 11-21, 21-16, 15-13 win.
In men's play, reigning national champion Ato ni Bai's Jade Becaldo and Calvin Sarte also nabbed bronze after a 21-17, 21-19 triumph over Czech Republic's Dominik Samen and Martin Samec. – Rappler.com
