Olivarez-Philta netfest slated

MANILA, Philippines - Tennis takes center stage beginning next week when the second Olivarez-Philta Open Tennis Championships presented by Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala unfolds Aug. 10 at the Olivarez Sports Center in Parañaque City.

Registration is ongoing for the P300,000 tournament ending Aug. 26 staged to provide the country’s leading players and rising stars a venue where they could hone their talent and skills and at the same time discover fresh talents.

“We’re thankful to the president and CEO of Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala for supporting this project in our continuing search for young talented players,” said Philta president Rep. Edwin Olivarez.

“Through the years, Philta has been developing players to reach world-class status and we expect this event will further inspire the young players to achieve for a higher level of play,” he added.

Meanwhile, listup ends tomorrow. For details, contact tournament in-charge Bobby Mangunay at 0195-4046464 or email [email protected] or 523-6415 (Philta) or 0928-5526433 or 02-8202237 (Olivarez Sports Center).

“It is my ardent hope that this event will continue to be a major event and contribute immensely in the advancement of Philippine tennis,” said Philta regional vice-president and Palawan Pawshop chief operating officer Bobby Castro. “Tennis is one sport where we Filipinos can excel and achieve international glory.”

The organizers are expecting more than a thousand participants from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, including those from the juniors, college and club ranks to play in the event, backed by Dunlop Sports and Olivarez Sports Center, which also stakes ranking points.

Events on tap are the premier men’s and ladies singles and doubles (Grade-A), the juniors singles and doubles (Group-I), the interclub (combined men’s and ladies) team play and the inter-collegiate (men’s and ladies) team championship. Fees are pegged at P300 (boys/girls) and P500 (Open), P5,000 (Interclub) and P1,500 (Inter-college).