Action starts in 32nd Erne Jawad Cup

CEBU, Philippines — The 32nd edition of the Erne Jawad Memorial Table Tennis Cup unfurls at the Cebu Coliseum today.

Although it’s the longest running ping pong event in the country, multi titled coach and organizer Jessica Jawad-Honoridez said holding the tournament still feels like the first time each year.

“Imagine, 32 years na ang Jawad Cup pero mura lang gihapon og bag-o pa.It’s almost unbelievable,” said Honoridez, who is also a Cebu City Sports Commissioner.

“I had a very hectic schedule. Before and after mi nag Paris (Olympics), grabe nako ka busy gyud. Wala kaayo ko naka invite, but still daghan-daghan gyud gihapon ang nangapil,” the University of Cebu (UC) athletic director added.

Former and current national players are expected to showcase their wares in the three-day tilt together with a slew of aspiring table netters.

The categories to be contested are the boys and girls 13 and 18 Under, men’s and women’s open, and executive open for the 45-above age group.

There are also team events for all classes except in the executive division.

Honoridez looks forward to another successful edition and that not only entails a smooth flow of competition but more importantly giving an avenue for players to foster camaraderie and rekindle long-lost connections while discovering new talents just like how his late brother Erne Jawad wants it to be.