INQUIRER Sports

More blessings are coming Jacob Lagman?s way after Cebu?s top junior netter was a granted a wildcard into the main draw of the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) Mitsubishi International Juniors Open despite being a first-timer in the event.

The news pleased Lagman of Ateneo de Cebu-Sacred Heart Jesuit because he could now focus on his first match probably set for Monday since he he was already exempted from tomorrow?s qualifying.

?I am very happy of having been drawn in the main as a wildcard entry especially that this is my first ITF,? Lagman, 14 said.

The international tournament will run from March 22 to 28 at the Rizal Sports Complex in Manila.

Lagman, who will be leaving for Manila today with his mother Julie, said he hopes he would have a good game.

?My gameplan would be to pinpoint my opponent's weakness and attack from there,? said Lagman who admitted that he is not familiar with those who would be taking part in the tournament especially the foreign players.

According to Lagman, he would have to be at the top of his game as his opponents would be world class.

The Mitsubishi-ITF will have the top 10 junior netters from around the world outsmarting each other.

He said the prospect that he would be having opponents older than him does not daunt him because every time he plays, he focuses on the ball, his game and not how old his opponents are.

Lagmana?s parents are thankful to his school, the Ateneo de Cebu-Sacred Heart Jesuit, for the full support they have given to their son.

John Pages, former Philta regional vice president, said it is an honor for Lagman to be selected to the event.

He said Lagman is one of the most promising junior players he has seen in recent local tennis history.

?He is one of the best given his performances,? said Pages referring to the fact that when Lagman was playing in the 8 to 9 age category, he already became the no.1 in the country.

Pages said that Lagman has really benefited from his exposure abroad especially in coaching. Lagman trained in Spain for three months last year.

?This proves that talent merged with international-caliber training could bring out a big improvement and high performance in a player,? Pages said.