MANILA, Philippines - Kiana de Asis hopes to bring her winning act to Dumalag, Capiz as she headlines the huge field vying in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age group tennis tournament at the Dumalag Tennis Club in Dumalag, Capiz beginning today.
De Asis, one of the rising stars from La Carlota, has dominated her side in Pontevedra, Panaad and San Carlos City, making her the player to beat in the girls’ 14-, 16- and 18-and-under categories of the four-day Group 3 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and hosted by Mayor Amado Eriberto Castro Jr.
“The whole of Dumalag is proud to play host to this junior ranking tournament for the fourth straight year that continues to boost the sport here and inspire our youth as they try to follow in the footsteps of the province’s Davis Cuppers Ramon Funtera and Tomas Falcis,” said Castro Jr.
Out to foil de Asis’ bid is top seed Tracy Llamas along with Mary Grace Zapanta and April Prietos in the premier 18-U section of the tournament held as part of the Dumalag Festival celebrations and presented by Technifibre that also drew players from Negros Occidental and the whole of Panay Island.
“We always believe there are so many untapped talents in Panay and nearby regions and provinces and by providing this series of tournaments, we hope to discover, train and develop future members of the national pool,” said Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro.
Mark Crisosto and Matthew Flores, meanwhile, lead the title chase in the boys’ 18-U division along, with Mart Fullo, Justin Alba, Albino Morales, Lester de Ocampo, Troy Togonon and Julius Sarria.
Crisosto and Flores are also tipped to contend for the 16-U diadem along with Reynan Mahusay, Alba, Lars Fullo, de Ocampo, Joshua Feca and Martin Fajardo.
Angelo Mejia, Pete Rodriguez, Mahusay and Jondreve Jimenez head the 14-U cast while Khenz Justiniani, Rodriguez, Mejia, Marven Mosquera are tipped to clash for the boys’ 14-U title and Avril Suace, Joy Dapiton, Nicole Raymundo and Ella Fullo in the girls’ side.
For tournament details, call up Bobby Mangunay, PPS-PEPP organizer and sports program development director at 0915-4046464.