Negros opens Palawan 29-leg tennis circuit

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s top junior netters and upcoming stars plunge into another busy season as they resume their hunt for honors and ranking points in the 2014 Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age group tennis circuit presented by Tecnifibre beginning Thursday in La Carlota, Negros Occidental.

The five-day tournament ending Jan. 20 marks the start of a year-long, nationwide 29-stage circuit, including five new legs annually put up by Palawan Pawnshop in its continuing effort to help develop the sport and produce top-notch players who could be tapped as spearheads of future national teams.

“We regularly sponsor sports activities in the areas where we operate. It is our way of giving back to the community part of our blessings and encouraging people to engage in sports for healthier lives,” said Bobby Castro, president of the sponsoring Palawan Pawnshop.

Technifibre is also coming in as the circuit’s chief backer of the event, which features nine Group 2, seven Group 3, three Group 4 and 10 Group 5 tournaments.

“Technifibre is here to help develop the sport and at the same time provide our youth, especially in the countryside, a venue where they could hone their talent and skills,” said former Davis Cupper Roland So, manager of Technifibre.

The sanctioning Philippine Tennis Association, led by president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez also lauded Palawan Pawnshop and Technifibre’s commitment to help promote the sport, which continues to rise with a number of tournaments held every month.

“With so many young, promising players, this 29-leg circuit will surely boost the sport and help us put up a wider base of talents. We are one with Palawan Pawnshop in this endeavor of helping the sport and promoting Philippine tennis nationwide,” said Olivarez.