23rd Erne Jawad tablenetfest unfurls today

CEBU, Philippines - Over 200 entries are expected to see action in the 23rd edition of the Erne Jawad Cup, the longest running table tennis tournament outside of Manila, which will kick off today at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Multi-titled players fromn the University of Cebu leads the cast of competitors in the two-day battle.

UC will defend its title in the men’s division, with Dannel Jay Tormis, Val Stephen Jaca, Lemuel Agbon and Francis Bendebel leading the charge.

Event organizer Jessica Jawad-Honoridez, sister of the late Erne Jawad, a former Philippine team member from which the tournament is being named, is expecting some former and current members of the Phl squad to join in the event.

For one, the country's top table netter Richard Gonzales has sent feelers to take part in the competition.

Aside from the men and women's open, the other categories to be contested are boys and girls 13 and 18-under. There will also be a liha event.

Cash prizes and trophies will be given away to the top performers of the annual tilt organized by the Erne Jawad Memorial Table Tennis Club, Inc. and sanctioned by the Table Tennis Association of the Philippines. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)