Six-nation jungolf on at Wack Wack today

The sixth Samsung Philippine International Junior Championships, the number one event among the young ones in the region, start today at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club.

Eighty players from six countries are competing in the tournament the Philippine Junior Golf Federation, led by its president Edgardo "Boy" Cantada, launched in 1998.

First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo drove the ceremonial ball yesterday to launch the four-day tournament with Samsung as title sponsor.

Actually, the opening ceremony and parade of athletes were held yesterday with Comelec Chairman Ben Abalos, the Wack Wack president, as guest of honor.

Cebu Pacific, Wilson Sports, Morelia Tours, Herma Group of Companies, Pagcor, Mitsubishi Motors, Bingo Bonanza, Toyota Otis, Pisanti Golf, Philippine Flour Mills, Rizal Rep. Gilberto Duavit, Takanobu Taira, Airlift Asia Inc., Raul Jorge, Sysu International, Absolute Distilled Water, Gatorade and EDSA Shangri-La are the other backers.

The Philippines is fielding 40 players from Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Also competing are golfers from China (Hong Kong), Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea.

Leading the international field is the Philippines J.R. Tanpinco, who will celebrate his final play as a junior by defending his overall 21 and under title.

"On behalf of the federation, I would like to welcome all the participants, their parents, the team officials as well as all our sponsors," Cantada said yesterday.

"I would also like to express our gratitude to First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and Chairman Ben Abalos for gracing the opening of our unique tournament as special guests."

"We call it unique because we do not charge any entry fees and we provide complimentary meals all day for the duration of the tournament to create a very festive mood.

"And the championship has become very popular in the region because of the genuine Filipino hospitality made possible by the support of Wack Wack," Cantada added.