P200,000 at stake in Lhuillier tennis

MANILA, Philippines – A cash prize of P200,000 is at stake in the 2009 Cebuana Lhuillier tennis tournament set to start April 25 with the qualifying round at the Baseline Tennis Club in Cebu City.

The event, backed by Cebuana Lhuillier and sponsored by Pera Padala, Le Soleil de Boracay, P. Lhuillier Insurance Agency, and Phiten, offers P40,000 to the champion, P20,000 to the runner-up and doubles event champion and P10,000 to the second placed team.

Leading the cast of participants are top seed and defending champion PJ Tierro, Johnny Arcilla and Australian Open junior doubles champion Francis Casey Alcantara, the country’s top junior player and presently ranked number 25 by the International Tennis Federation ( ITF ) among the world’s junior players.

“Sponsoring this tournament is part of Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment to Philippine sports, our local players need to compete in high level competition and this tournament promises to be a tough one, “ said sportsman-businessman Jean Henri Lhuillier, a long time supporter of Philippine tennis, softball, and basketball, and team manager of the RP Davis Cup.

Other notable names are Rolando Ruel Jr., Ralph Kevin Barte, Elbert Anasta, Cocoy Solon, Rocky Paglalaunan, Toto Joven and Arvin Ruel.