Palawan tennis fires off in Dumaguete

MANILA, Philippines — A spirited battle for top honors and ranking points is seen as some of the country’s leading junior netters see action in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age group tennis circuit presented by Tecnifibre which got going yesterday at Praxevilla Tennis Club in Dumaguete City.

The tournament serves as the fifth leg of the 29-stage nationwide circuit overseen by tournament director and Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) referee Bobby Mangunay.

Leading the cast are Elmar Christian Lagat and Angela Cabaral, who nailed two titles apiece in last year’s staging of the event in Dumaguete. Others tipped to contend are Fernando Arguelles, Ibar Ortega, Kianah Vincoy, Shyryn Salazar and Alekzander Fern Po.

Dr. Nick Uypitching, president of the host club, has waived the registration fee for the four-day tournament sanctioned by the Philta, headed by president and Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

“This is a good opportunity for our young players,” said Uypitching. “I’ve been playing tennis for the last five decades and only lately did we have a truly junior program that is nationwide in scope.”

Events on tap are the 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-and-under and 10-unisex division.