Cantila heads Palawan netfest cast in Davao

MANILA, Philippines - Joel Cantila hopes to re-stamp his class as he leads the big cast vying in the eighth leg of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age-group tennis circuit presented by Technifibre beginning today in Digos City, Davao Del Sur.

Cantila surprised the field to nail two titles the first time the Digos City Tennis Club hosted the circuit last November, winning the 16- and 18-and-under crowns. The 15-year-old find from Padada, Davao del Sur, however, is set to only compete in the premier 18-and-under category of the event put up by Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association headed by Philta president and Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

Jenni Dizon, who dominated the girls’ side last year, is also expected to show up again and provide the 16- and 18-and-under field a tough challenge.

“This circuit hopes to produce more Cantilas that’s why we’re holding tournaments even in far-flung provinces in Palawan Pawnshop’s continuing effort to expand the base of tennis talents,” said Castro.

Tournament director Bobby Mangunay said top and upcoming junior players from Kidapawan City, Kabacan, Pagadian, General Santos City and Sultan Kudarat are seeing action in event along with those from Mlang, Davao City, Tagum City, Mati, Koronadal, Midsayab, Malita and Sto. Tomas.

The host city is also fielding in a strong cast with Baguio Saripada, president of Digos City Tennis Club, hopeful of his wards’ chances in the four-day tournament which also serves as Philta’s regional tournament program for children staged to address the need for a grassroots tennis centered on values formation.

Events on tap are the boys’ and girls’ 12-, 14, 16- and 18-and-under divisions and the 10-unisex category.