Huge field vies in Andrada Cup silver tourney

MANILA, Philippines - A big field, headed by the country’s top players and rising stars, braces for a battle royale in the 25th Andrada Cup age-tennis championships set Jan. 6-12 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Organizers said almost all the age divisions have been filled up as the event ushers in the tennis season after the holiday break. Titles to be disputed are the 10-under unisex, and boys and girls 12-under, 14-under, 16-under and the premier 18-under.

Ranking points are at stake in the week-long tourney held in honor of former Philippine Tennis Association president and Philippine sports commissioner Salvador “Buddy” Andrada.

Among the past winners who made a name in the sport were Phl Cuppers Johnny Arcilla, Patrick John Tierro and Joseph Victorino and Jurence Mendoza, Clarice Patrimonio, Marinel Rudas, Czarina Mae Arevalo and Pablo Olivarez II.

The event, which serves as breeding ground for talents the last 25 years, will offer 200 ranking points to each age-group champion and 120 to runners-up.

“Our vision of providing a steady supply of new tennis talents 25 years ago is already bearing fruits,” said Andrada.

He said this year’s Andrada Cup is a milestone not only because it’s already on its 25th year but also it gathers all the tennis godfathers in the country.

Sponsoring the event are past and present Philta directors and presidents led by incumbent head Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Julito Villanueva, Manuel Misa, Pablo Olivarez, Oscar Hilado and Jean Henri Lhuillier.