Mangudadatu netfest unwraps

MANILA, Philippines —  The Gov. Datu Pax Ali Sangki Mangudadatu National Juniors Tennis Championships kick off today in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, marking the first leg of a three-stop Mindanao swing of the Palawan Pawnshop Palawan Express Pera Padala nationwide circuit.

Nearly 150 young players will battle for top honors and ranking points across seven age-group divisions at the Isulan Capitol courts.

This Group 2 tournament promises high-intensity matches in all categories. Leading the charge for the boys’ 18-and-under title are Kurt Alcantara, Charles Gallo, Isaac Sanke and Tom Songcayauon, while Sanschena Francisco, Justine Gumbao, Haifa Mokalid and Atheenah Orlanda are among the favorites in the girls’ premier division.

The tournament serves as an essential platform for identifying and developing young talent for future national team.

Alcantara also holds the top seed in the 16-and-U category, facing tough competition from Carl Eduarte, Aljavan Lumambas and Juhnn Batilo. Meanwhile, Gumbao also leads the girls’ 16-and-U cast alongside Mariam Mokalam, Jacinth Quilban and Angel Maguad.