CLYDE MARIANOTUBOD — Jaime Solon scored a double whammy Saturday as he ruled the singles and doubles events in the Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo National Open Tennis at the Mindanao Civic Center in Lanao del Norte.

Displaying powerful serves and steady nerves, Solon outclassed Ronard Joven, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, to win the singles crown and the top purse of P25,000.

Solon returned later to team up with Elbert Anasta in a 6-4, 7-5 drubbing of Johnny Arcilla and Alexander Barte for the doubles crown and added half of the P20,000 doubles purse to his wallet.

It was the second straight doubles’ crown for Solon and Anasta after they ruled the Governor Alcala tilt by beating the pair of Davis Cup veteran Patrick John Tierro and Ralph Kevin Barte.

“Pinaghandaan ko ito dahil malalakas ang mga kasali. Pumunta ako dito fully armed and prepared,” said the 24-year-old Solon, who became the first player to win a national tennis tournament in Lanao del Norte after two hours and 10 minutes under a scorching sun.

“It was really an exciting game. Both played competitive tennis,” said Governor Dimaporo, 29, who was on hand to watch the match and award the prizes to the winners.

Due to public clamor and his bid to promote Lanao Del Norte as sports capital of Northern Mindanao, the US-educated Dimaporo said he will now host the tournament every year.