UC table paddlers to don PHL colors in Universiade

CEBU, Philippines - University of Cebu's Jennifer Jacalan and Darbet Tripoli will fight for the flag and country in the table tennis event of the Universiade Games 2011 slated from August 11 to 19 in Shenzhen, China.

UC coach Jessica Jawad-Honoridez said this is a great exposure for the two players since they will be facing the toughest collegiate players in Asia.

“I don't know yet the level of competition in the Universiade since this is the first time that we're joining the event. But for sure it's a good exposure for them because they're up against the top-caliber athletes in Asia,” said Honoridez.

“Through the Universiade, they will be able to measure their skills and strengths in a competition of such magnitude,” she added.

Jacalan and Tripoli will see action in both singles and doubles events. It will be Tropoli's first international stint and third for Jacalan after the Arafura Games in Australia in 2007 and the Junior Southeast Asian Table Tennis Association (SEATTA) Championships in Bangkok, Thailand two years ago.

“They went through a rigid training regimen. My players really practiced hard because they're very excited for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Honoridez. (FREEMAN)