Jr netters open bid in Asian tilt

 MANILA, Philippines - The ITF Asia 14 and Under Development Championships–Division I unwraps today (Tuesday, March 6) with 68 junior netters from at least 13 countries, including boys’ top-ranked Nikshep Ballekere and girls’ No. 2 Pranjala Yadlapalli, both of India, clashing for top honors and ranking points at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Eric Olivarez Jr., No. 22 in the current ITF ranking, and No. 30 Alberto Lim Jr. banner the country’s campaign in the first of two tournaments put up by the International Tennis Federation Grand Slam Development Fund to help develop and promote the sport in Asia and at the same time create the first-ever ranking system for junior players in the region.

Also in the fold are Christian Fel Lopez, Jerome Romualdez and Jose Julian Dayrit IV while Meredith Jones, the highest-ranked Filipina at No. 23 and No. 41 Ericka Mae Manduriao lead the local girls’ bid along with Maia Bernadette Balce, Ingrid Mariz Gonzales and Ma. Dominque Ong.

Ballekere, winner of the Bangalore, India leg last January, spearheads the talent-laden boys’ cast along with No. 3 Chung Yun-seong, No. 4 Hong Kit Wong and No. 7 Lok Pui Lawrence Lo of Hong Kong, No. 8 Aryan Goveas, also of India, No. 9 Hao Sheng Koay of Malaysia and Taiwanese No. 10 Wu Tung-lin.

On the other hand, Yadlapalli, who reigned in the Hyderabad, India stage last month, leads the chase for the girls’ plum along with Malaysian No. 3 Yus Yusri, No. 8 Gozal Ainitdinova of Kazakhstan, No. 11 Himani Mor of India, Hong Kong’s No. 16 Wai Lam Ip, Korean No. 19 Dohee Bae and No. 20 Vanshika Sawhney of India.

Up for grabs, in the event, backed by the Philippine Tennis Academy, Mariposa Foundation, Dunlop Fort Balls, Magnolia Purewater and Century Park Hotel, are ranking points with the singles champions to get 450 points and the next two finishers to receive 300 and 225 points, respectively. The doubles winners will earn 50 ranking points.

The second ITF tournament, supported by Fresh Fruits, Fiesta Brands, Cebuana Lhuillier, Phinma and the Philippine Sports Commission will be played March 12-16, according to the organizing Philippine Tennis Association.

For details, contact Philta tournament director Loida Mallare at (632) (5236415) or fax (632) (5252016) or email [email protected].