Coca-Cola netfest underway

The first Coca-Cola National Tennis Championships, a Group 1 event sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association, kicks off today with the men’s singles main draw at the New Subic Bay International Tennis and Sports Center.

The tournament, patterned after the Wimbledon, features the country’s best players led by David Cuppers Johnny Arcilla, Adelo Abadia, Joseph Victorino and Michael Mora III.

Leading the campaigners in the women’s division which will start on May 1 are KL SEAG veteran Czarina Mae Arevalo and UAAP MVP Charise Godoy of University of Santo Tomas.

Aside from the men’s and women’s singles and doubles and mixed doubles, there will be competitions in the boys’ and girls’ 18-under, 16-under, 14-under, 12-under and unisex 10-under divisions which will begin on May 4.

Gracing the opening ceremony at 4 p.m. are Coca Cola Bottlers Inc. president Genju Lapez, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman Felicito Payumo, Philta president Salvador Andrada, Phinma Group of Companies president Oscar Hilado and former Philta president and Parañaque Mayor Pablo Olivarez.

Former national coach and Subic Bay Sports Management Inc. (SBSMI) tennis director Beeyong Sison and Tru-flex of Tower Mansory’s Randy Villanueva are running the tournament sponsored by Chris Sports, PLDT, Prince, Wilson and Union Bank.