Palawan netfest up in S Kudarat

MANILA, Philippines - The Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age-group tournament gets going today in Sultan Kudarat with a banner field vying for top honors in various divisions at the Isulan Tennis Club.

Players from Gen. Santos City, M’lang, Davao, Digos, Kabacan, Kidapawan City, Koronadal City, Tupi, Alamada and Tacuron have confirmed participation in the four-day tournament serving as part of the nationwide youth tennis circuit put up by Philta and sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and Technosports, distributor of Babolat equipment.

A slew of local players will also be on hand to defend their fort, guaranteeing a slambang action in all divisions, including the boys’ and girls 12-, 14-, 16- and 18-and-under and the 10 unisex category.

“I have invited all the tennis-playing youth in Mindanao to compete in this big tournament,” said Gov. Teng Mangudadatu. “This event will also prove that we have a lot of talented players here in Sultan Kudarat waiting to be tapped.”

For details, contact Philta referee Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

“It is our commitment to help boost the sport, especially in the countryside and we hope we can discover a lot of future stars from this nationwide circuit,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro.

Winners in last week’s M’lang leg are expected to lead the cast, including Ma. Angela Novis, who copped two titles, and Jefferson Alqueza, who ruled the premier boys’ category.

“This promises to be an interesting tournament, a duel of the top and rising junior players in Mindanao,” said Philta president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez.