Mitsubishi Lancer International Junior Tennis Championship, the country's longest running tennis tournament opens on March 23

MANILA, Philippines - Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, one of the country’s leading automotive manufacturers, together with the International Tennis Federation, Philippine Tennis Association and thru its major sponsor the renowned sports brand Accel, in cooperation with Dunlop and Gatorade once more collaborate to make possible one of the grandest international junior tennis tournament, the Mitsubishi Lancer International Junior Tennis Championship (MLIJTC).

Considered as one of the biggest juniors’ tournaments in Asia and the longest running tennis tournament in the Philippines, the MLIJTC will once again hit sports headlines this year. On its 21st year the MLIJTC is expected to be a lot tougher and more exciting. Junior tennis tournaments give chance to junior tennis players to establish world ranking and International Tennis Federation ranking. This international tournament will be participated by 54 girls and 69 boys. Players will be coming from all parts of the globe, which includes Europe, America, Asia and Asean region and Australia.

For more than 20 years, this tournament has come a long way in producing more and more of the world’s tennis superstars and helping junior tennis players achieve a world ranking. Lleyton Hewitt the youngest male tennis player to rank as number one and recognized as one of the 40 greatest tennis players since 1965 by Tennis Magazine, American Andy Roddick who was currently 6th ranked player in the world and top-ranked in the US, and Leander Paes of India were some of the top tennis players that this tourney has witnessed and likewise produced. And our very own Francis Casey “Niño” Alcantara who gave honor to the country by achieving a Grand Slam win in last year’s Australian Open. It is MMPC’s great pride that once again Francis Alcantara, including Jason Patrombon who is currently stepping up in several Asean Junior tennis stints, will both play for the Philippines.

“We are inviting everyone to watch for free these exciting tennis matches which will commenced last March 23 and will run until March 28 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center,” Masahiko Ueki, MMPC president said. “It is a privilege for us to become a part of these soon to be tennis superstars’ road to their athletic career. With this year’s line-up of players we are expecting more action, excitement and fun in the hardcourt,” Ueki, added.