Sarip eyes another title at Palawan netfest in Pagadian

MANILA, Philippines — Muhammad Keyan Sarip rides the momentum of a twin-podium finish in Dipolog as he leads a talent-laden field in the Governor’s Cup Juniors Age Group Tennis Championships, which unfolds Thursday, October 15, at the Dao courts in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

The top-seeded Marawi City standout is coming off a strong showing in the Palawan Pawnshop series, capturing the boys’ 16-and-under crown and finishing runner-up in the 18-and-U division in Dipolog last Sunday. He now sets his sights on the premier 18-and-U title, with a chance to avenge his recent loss to unranked Sky Bacongga.

Bacongga, ranked No. 6, stunned Sarip, 6-4, 6-4, in Dipolog, putting the rising Siquijor star in the spotlight as he seeks to prove that victory was no fluke. But a deep field of emerging talents stands in the way of a possible title rematch between the two in the Group 2 tournament held in honor of Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Divina Grace Yu and Vice Gov. Roy Ariosa.

Among the leading contenders in the 18-and-U class are Crislance Iglupas, Christian Dalida, Kim Tatad, Hazer Malicay, Rossil Feraro and Kevin Gallenero. Sarip, meanwhile, could face a stern challenge from Prince Centino in the 16-and-U division, where Krisnel Batilo, Angelo Naraga, Tatad, Gallenero, Feraro and Bacongga are also in the hunt.

In the girls’ side, Bogo City’s Etha Seno has opted to take a much-needed rest after sweeping the 14-and-U and 16-and-U titles in Dipolog, leaving the 16-and-U race wide open. Leading the contenders are Justine Gumbao, Kyth Solis, Princess Canillas and Francesh Navarrez.

Cloe Joy Busig, meanwhile, seeks a payback against Marlyn Mesiona in the girls’ 18-and-U division of the tournament, which serves as part of the Palawan Pawnshop nationwide talent-search program spearheaded by president and CEO Bobby Castro.

Princess Hilot, Gabrielle Bulado, Summer Regalado, Joy Paculaba and Rime Pampula are also expected to figure prominently in the title race in the premier category of the event sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) and Universal Tennis, with support from Dunlop, ICON Golf & Sports and the Palawan Group of Companies.

Centino carries the top seeding in the boys’ 14-and-U division, where he faces a competitive field led by Liam Harrow, Sherwin Gom-O, Shaun Navidad, Gabriel Francisco, Vincent Balucos, Samuel Robles and Nash Diaz.

Harrow, for his part, looms as the player to beat in the boys’ 12-and-U class, although Navidad, Diaz and Francisco are also eager to contend for the title in the youngest boys’ division.

In the girls’ 12-and-U category, Libonfacil shoots for a second straight title, seeking to sustain her dominance against Lian Labadisos, Gabrielle Logarta, Athena Pedregosa and the rest of the field. (Pool story)