Barahona-Piotto make a flying start in Turin, Sainz and Manquillo impress in the women’s draw

TURIN – The top players in the FIP Ranking made a strong start at the FIP Gold Mediolanum Padel Cup Torino, the final Gold event of the CUPRA FIP Tour season, taking place at Palavillage in Grugliasco until Sunday, 1 November. Javi Barahona and Nacho Piotto, the men’s top seeds, impressed on their debut. Argentina’s Alex Chozas and Juani Rubini also progressed, while Spain’s Lucia Sainz and Leti Manquillo got off to a winning start in the women’s draw.

 

BARAHONA-PIOTTO IN TOP GEAR Javi Barahona and Nacho Piotto, ranked 35th and 47th respectively, made a dominant start, dropping just one game against Luis Oliver and Ivan Repetuev. After reaching the final at the FIP Gold in Seville two weeks ago, the pair have once again established themselves among the leading contenders for the title. Alex Chozas and Juani Rubini also advanced, beating French pair Hugounenq and Pillot 6-3 7-6. Among the surprises of the opening round were Spain’s José Pedro Montalban and Italian-Argentine Santino Nicocia, who entered the draw as lucky losers and reached the second round. Their progress was helped by the retirement of Alvaro Melendez and Gonzalo Rubio in the third set, after Rubio suffered an injury. NextGen player Santino Contreras also impressed, teaming up with Santi Pineda to beat Lorenzo Di Giovanni and Giuseppe Fino 6-3 7-6, after a remarkable comeback from 0-5 down in the second set.

 

WOMEN’S DRAW Women’s top seeds Lucia Sainz and Leti Manquillo defeated Raquel Rodriguez and Carlotta Burello 6-1 6-0. Third seeds Amanda Lopez and Camila Fassio also made a winning start, beating Portuguese pair Para/Para 6-2 6-3. Daiara Valenzuela and Teresa Moriñigo were among the other pairs to progress, defeating Ligotti/Giaquinta 6-3 6-1.