MANILA, Philippines - Shaira Rivera sets out for a repeat of her three-title sweep last year as she headlines the cast in the Series 57 of the Palawan Pawnshop President’s ELO Cup regional age-group tennis circuit which got under way yesterday at the Isulan Capitol Tennis Club in Sultan Kudarat.
Rivera took the 14-, 16- and 18-under crowns when Gov. Teng Mangudadatu hosted a leg of the country’s premier junior tennis circuit last year. But the 14-year-old find from Monkayo Compostela Valley faces a stiff challenge this week with a slew of talented players signing up for the event.
They include Minette Bentillo, gold medalist in the recent Palarong Pambansa, Jazelle Madis, Nicole Gorospe, Kathlenrey Arandia, Harlyn Getalla, Ma. Angele Novis and Carlyn Bless Guarde.
Janus Ringia, Red Directo and Vince EJ Tugade, on the other hand, lead the boys’ roster in the five-day tournament put up by Philta under president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez and sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop through COO Bobby Castro.
Rising junior players from Gen. Santos City, M’lang, Davao, Digos, Kabacan, Kidapawan City, Koronadal City, Tupi, Alamada and Tacuron are also seeing action in the event which features the boys’ and girls 12-and-under section and the 10 unisex category.
For details, contact Philta referee Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.
“We expect some reversals and surprises this week and hope to discover a lot of players not only from this leg but from this nationwide circuit,” said Castro.
Others vying for top honors and ranking points are Cedric Pamplona, Brent Magno, Eric Comendador, Stephen Tubbs, Marco Barrios, Jyle Martinez, John Merwin Estrellado, LJ Mangudadatu, Jeff Alqueza, Ralph Andrei Pamplona and AJ Alejandre.
“This promises to be an interesting tournament, a duel of the top and rising junior players in Mindanao,” said Olivarez.