Tennis ranking events slated

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) will hold two big tennis events at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in November with the all-out support of sponsors.

The two international events sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation are made possible by the Philippine Investment Management Inc. (Phinma), Smart Communications and the International Container Terminal Service Inc. (ICTSI). 

Over 500 promising netters around the world are expected to compete in the two major events backed by Phinma group of companies, ICTSI, Smart, HEAD (official ball), Viva Mineral Water, Powerade Energy Drink, Chris Sports, and the Philippine Sports Commission, ITF and Philta.

Oscar Hilado, Phinma chairman and one of the long-time chief supporters of the sport, said the two major tennis competitions will serve as breeding ground of future tennis stars.

“We have a lot of young talented players who have the potential to excel globally and we’re so excited to see them play,” said Hilado. “I expect some Filipino-foreign players to compete in these two elite tournaments.”

The Smart/ITF Women’s Circuit Week 1 begins with the qualifying Nov. 6-7, with the main draw set Nov. 8-13. The ICTSI/ITF Women’s Circuit Week 2 qualifying is set Nov. 13-14 and main draw Nov. 15-20.

The next big tournament is the Phinma International Junior Tennis Championship Week 1, with qualifying Nov. 20-21 and main draw Nov. 22-27. Week 2 is Nov. 27-28 (qualifying) and Nov. 29-Dec. 4 (main draw).