Bright future for tennis

There’s a shining light at the end of the tunnel for Philippine tennis. From the results of the recent six-day Asia-Oceania eliminations to determine the four regional qualifiers to the World Junior Championships, it’s clear that the Philippines is back on track in the sport that spawned such heroes as Johnny Jose, Felicisimo Ampon and Rey Deyro.

The Philippines finished third in the 17-nation international boys tennis competition, now known as the Junior Davis Cup. It was the first time that Filipinos qualified to play in the World Junior Championships since the 16-and-under division was established in 1985. It was also the best placing ever for the Philippines in the competition.

Only the top four placers are representing Asia-Oceania in the World Junior Championships from Sept. 27 to Oct. 2 in Barcelona. Champion Japan, runner-up Australia, the Philippines and Thailand qualified to play in the global meet.

The qualifiers were held at the Manila Polo Club last May 2-7. Aside from the top four finishers, the other countries that participated in the tournament were Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Korea, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, India, Pakistan and Singapore.

Under the Junior Davis Cup format, the 17 entries were split into five groups. The Philippines, seeded fourth, was bracketed with India, United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. India, seeded sixth, was a world qualifier last year.

First to fall to the hosts was Pakistan. Ralph Kevin Barte got the Philippines off to a sizzling start with a 7-5, 6-3 thrashing of Tanveer Ashiq. Then Kyle Joshua Dandan made it two in a row, owing over Umar Babar, 6-2, 6-0. Then, Barte teamed up with Pablo Olivarez II to crush Ashia and Babar, 6-3, 7-5, in the doubles to complete a 3-0 sweep.

Next, it was the United Arab Emirates’ turn to capitulate. Barte once more opened with a 6-2, 6-0 romp over Faisal Bastaki. Dandan followed suit and trounced Hamad Ismail, 6-1, 6-2. Barte and Dandan joined forces to wipe out Bastaki and Ismail, 6-1, 6-1, in the doubles.

India proved to be a tough nut to crack. Barte survived a scare to carve out a 6-0, 2-6, 6-4 win over Agnel Gladwin Peter in the first singles. Dandan was also threatened before beating Kinshuk Sharma, 6-1, 7-6 (16-14). Barte and Dandan went on to defeat Sharma and Navneetha Kannan Baskaran in the doubles for the final count.

In the quarterfinals, the Philippines faced seventh-seed Chinese-Taipei which toppled fifth-seed Indonesia, 2-1, China, 2-1, and Singapore, 3-0, to advance. A victory meant a guaranteed ticket to the World Junior Championships.

Barte, a Davao City discovery, faltered in the opening singles and lost a 6-1, 6-2 decision to Hsu Chun Huang. Dandan, however, kept the Philippine flag flying with a 6-2, 6-3 win over Hsien Yin Peng. Barte and Dandan clinched the tie with a hard-fought 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 verdict over Huang and Peng.

That set the stage for the Philippines’ semifinal duel against top-seed Australia which previously eliminated Uzbekistan, 3-0, Hong Kong, 3-0, and Sri Lanka, 3-0.

This time, the Filipinos absorbed a drubbing. Stephen Donald blasted Olivarez, 6-2, 6-0, and Patrick Nicholls took out Dandan, 6-3, 6-1. The Aussies made it three straight with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Barte and Dandan.

In the battle for third, the Philippines upset Thailand, 2-1. Kittiphong Wachiramanowong drew first blood, beating Olivarez, 6-3, 6-1. Dandan, 15, leveled the score with a 7-6, 6-4 stunner over Peraklot Siriluethaiwattana. In the deciding doubles, Barte and Dandan outlasted Peerapach Tupwong and Kittiphong, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6.

Japan wound up on top of the heap after shocking Australia.

In the final standings, China was fifth, Chinese-Taipei sixth, India seventh and Sri Lanka eighth.

No doubt, hard work paid off for the Philippines and it was a particularly gratifying achievement for Futures Tennis Scholarship Foundation president Al Agra who has tirelessly promoted the sport at the grassroots level.

Dandan and Barte are beneficiaries of the Adopt-A-Kid program jointly implemented by Futures and Toby’s Sports. The program is now on its third year and aims to produce world-class tennis players. Futures and Toby’s regularly send junior tennis players abroad to complete with the best of the world. Dandan is also supported by Phinma Group chairman and tennis buff Oscar Hilado.

"The two boys have reached the goals set when the program began," said Agra. "Kyle and Ralph are ranked in the International Tennis Federation juniors. Kyle is No. 239 while Ralph is No. 4254 as of May 3 in the international 18-and-under boys ranking system. Kyle and Ralph are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the 18 and 16-and-under in the Philippines.

"However, we, at Futures and Toby’s, recognize a bigger challenge ahead. We need to sustain the gains and must continue to undertake developmental programs to build the bench of junior tennis. Futures hopes that others can share in the dream of Kyle and Ralph. We sincerely believe that Filipino junior netters can further excel."

Agra, who receives no compensation whatsoever in promoting tennis and in fact, digs into his own pockets to augment Futures’ funds, said the door is open for anyone to contribute to a tennis renaissance in the country. His phone number is 439-1212. Give him a call to find out how you can be a part of the tennis movement.