Stellar cast vies in Olivarez-Philta tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Top players from different parts of the country slug it out in the first Olivarez-Philta Open tennis championship slated on Aug. 1-21 at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

Aside from claiming the first Olivarez-Philta crown and ranking points, the winner will get P500,000 total in cash prize in the tournament presented by the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (PHILTA) and supported by Dunlop Sports and Olivarez Sports Center.

National players, collegiate standouts and promising interclub netters from all over the country will see action in the 21-day tournament. Events on tap are men’s and women’s singles and doubles divisions, pro-am doubles, and the men’s and ladies team tennis, the intercollegiate categories as well as the age-group for boys’ and girls’ 18-under, 16-under, 14-under, 12-under, and unisex 10-under.

Expect an intense battle in the men’s division as top seeded players Patrick John Tierro, Johnny Arcilla, Marc Reyes, Rolando Ruel Jr., Ronard Joven, Pablo Olivarez II and Jeson Patrombon vie for the top purse.

In the women’s class, veteran campaigners Tamitha Olivarez-Nguyen, Marian Jade Capadocia, Bambi Zoleta and the Patrimonio siblings Christine and Clarice are gearing up for an action-packed clash for the No. 1 spot.

Leading the boys’ category are Michael Francis Eala, Marcus Del Rosario, Jerome Romualdez, Cenon Gonzales Jr, Eric Jed Olivarez Jr., Christian San Andres, Marcen Angelo Gonzales, LA Canizares, Deo Talatayod, Kyle Parpan and Gabriel Gutierrez.

The girls’ division also has an impressive line-up with Frances Santiago, Chloe Mae Saraza, Coleen Sioson, Maia Balce, Erika Manduriao, Orteza sisters Isabella, Katrina and Patricia, Ma. Angela Sunga, Samantha Coyiuto and Anne Rene Castillo leading the pack.

“Through the years, it has been the commitment of the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (PHILTA) to develop our players into world class tennisters. This tournament will breathe a new lease on life for Philippine Tennis as it becomes a catalyst in the search of talents in the grassroots. The RP Open will inspire the young players to achieve for a higher level of play,” said PHILTA president Cong. Edwin Olivarez.

Interested participants may register at the Olivarez Sports Center secretariat 820-2237, Philta office 523-6415 or contact tournament referee/incharge Bobby G. Mangunay at (0915) 4046464.