RP aces compete in Marawi netfest

MANILA, Philippines - The Marawi City tennis tournament reels off on Feb. 11 at the Mindanao State University court with the country’s top 16 players, led by Asian Davis Cupper Johnny Arcilla and Patrick John Tierro and former Australian doubles champion Nino Alcantara, seeing action.

Organized by the United Tennis Players of the Philippines and sanctioned by Philippine Lawn Tennis Association, the tournament offers a total pot of P100,000 and is supervised by former national player Tom Falcis. It is sponsored by Mayor Sultan Fahad “Pre” Salic.

The top eight players will also be given free round-trip tickets while the ninth to 16 players will be provided one-way tickets.

The singles champion will receive P25,000 while the runner-up and third placers will get P15,000 and P7,500, respectively. The doubles champion will receive P15,000 while the second, third and fourth placers will get P8,000, P4,000 and P2,000, respectively.

“The vision of this tournament is to give the players enough exposure,” said UTPP president Hatta Dimaporo. “Most of the tennis players were forced to work as instructors due to lack of tournaments. Through this nationwide tennis program, they will make themselves busy playing and at the same time earn extra income.”

He said the event will not only boost local tennis but will also showcase the country’s tourist spots and at the same time show Mindanao as a generally peaceful place.

Also competing are Ralph Kevin Barte, Jaime Salon, Elbert Anasta, Ronald Joven, Rolando Ruel, Rocky Paglalunan, Francis Casey Alcantara, Mark Reyes, Alexander Lazaro, Arvin Ruel, Kim Don Saraza, Gilbert Estrada and Arcie Mano.