Manila Mavericks join world tennis league

MANILA, philippines — Five top local corporations are expected to either pool their resources or outbid one another to raise $8 million and finance the Manila franchise of the International Premier Tennis League that will pit the top players in the world as well as past icons of the sport.

Philippine Tennis Association vice president Randy Villanueva Sunday confirmed that former grand slam doubles champ Mahesh Bhupati of India and his team are expected to name the owners of what will be known as Manila Mavericks before the month ends when they return to the country.

Based on the drafting done in Dubai two months ago, Manila will have reigning Olympic, Wimbledon and US Open champion Andy Murray in its team along with Belarusian superstar Victoria Azarenka, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Carlos Moya and Daniel Nestor.

They will play against the Singapore Lions made up of Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, Tomas Berdych, Daniela Hantuchova, Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt; the  Mumbai Aces of Rafael Nadal, Ana Ivanovic, Pete Sampras, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna;  and the Dubai Expos of Novak Djokovic, Caroline Wozniacki and Martina Hingis.

The Philippines will be the kickoff leg and will host the matches, to be held at either Mall of Asia Arena or Smart Araneta Coliseum on Nov. 28 to 30.

“This is a chance for us to get to the world map of tennis, especially for a country without ATP or WTA events,” said Villanueva.

Sources said San Miguel Corporation, MVP Sports of Manny V. Pangilinan, Cebuana Lhuillier, SM Group of Companies and Araneta have already expressed interest in team ownership.

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