Olivarez eyes ‘double’ on home turf

MANILA, Philippines — Eric Jed Olivarez is poised for another “double,” including the singles Open crown, as he spearheads a stellar field in the Rep. Edwin Olivarez Cup kicking off tomorrow at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

The 25-year-old Olivarez, coming off a triumphant 6-3, 6-4 victory over Fritz Verdad in the MITF Open in Iloilo last month, gained the top seeding in the 64-player field, and will capitalize on the absence of seasoned Johnny Arcilla and Jose Maria Pague, who have begged off from the 10-day tournament due to injuries.

Despite the absence of AJ Lim, who won the Mayor Eric Olivarez Cup, also over Verdad, last August, the title chase promises to be fierce with a mix of veterans and upcoming talents in the roster. Notable contenders include Vicente Anasta, Alexis Acabo, Verdad, Eric Tangub, Noel Salupado, Jude Ceniza, Eury Dice Gaspar, Noel Damian and Loucas Fernandez.

To accommodate the big number of entries, the organizing Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala is holding a one-day qualifier today where 32 bidders will vie for four slots to the main draw.

Olivarez, a Western Michigan U product, is also teaming up with Nilo Ledama as he aims for another doubles Open trophy after winning the MITF Open with absentee Josshua Kinaadman.

The Olivarez Cup, supported by Mayor Eric Olivarez, Palawan Pawnshop, Slazenger, Dunlop and MTE Tennis, features not only the men’s singles and doubles Open, but also the Legends’ men’s singles 35 and 45 and the Legends men’s doubles 30s, 40s and 50s.