Lhuillier Commends Gonzales-Alcantara Duo for Winning SEAG Men’s Doubles Tennis Gold

UNIFIED Tennis Philippines (UTP) President and long-time tennis patron Jean-Henri Lhuillier (right) is with the Philippine Men’s Tennis Team before leaving for 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

 

By Marlon Bernardino

 

 

MANILA – Philippines long time sports patron and current Unified Tennis Philippines President expressed his admiration on the latest accomplishment of the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed doubles tandem of Ruben Gonzales and Niño Alcantara in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

 

“I am so happy and proud of Ruben and Niño as they continue to reap honours for our country. This SEAG Gold is something they have worked out for many months competing in different international competitions. I vow to continue supporting them the best way I can.” said Lhuillier.

 

With the support of Lhuillier and the Cebuana Lhuillier, Gonzales and Alcantara campaigned in Europe, Asia and South America leading to the SEAG to gain the much-needed exposure and match toughness. Gonzales reached a career high world double ranking of 116 while Alcantara was in the top 300, making them the favorites to win the SEA Games gold.

 

PHILIPPINES Men’s Tennis Doubles pair of Ruben Gonzales (left) and Francis Casey “Niño” Alcantara kept the gold medal the Philippine shores after defeating Christopher Rungkat & Nathan Anthony Barki of Indonesia 6-2, 5-7, 10-5 in the finals.

And they did in a dramatic fashion.

 

Gonzales and Alcantara scored a come-from-behind victory beating the strong Indonesian tandem of Christopher Ruangkat and Nathan Barki 6-2, 5-7, 10-5.

 

“We are so happy to deliver a gold medal for team Philippines. I would like to personally congratulate Boss Jean for the support he has given us not just for this SEAG for several years running already”, said Gonzales.

 

“This one is for the Filipino people and for Sir Jean for all the support he has provided and the amazing things he has done for Philippine tennis,” added Alcantara.

 

Gonzales and Alcantara vow to continue improving their ranking in the hopes of making it to the Paris’ Olympics in 2024.