Andrada Cup junior tennis set Jan. 5-10

The Andrada Cup, one of  the country’s oldest junior tennis event, will be held Jan. 5 to 10  at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Deadline for submission of entry is  on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 12 noon. Draw will follow at 1 p.m. at the Philippine Tennis Association office inside RMTC.

Named after long-time Philta president and now honorary lifetime president of Asian Tennis Association Salvador “Buddy” Andrada, the event has become a bedrock for future Filipino tennis stars since 1990.

Andrada, now serving as Philippine Sports Commissioner, said the event has always ushered tennis activities for the year.

“This is our foremost grassroots program, we make sure the best out there compete in the Andrada Cup,” said Andrada.

Among those who won their respective divisions during last year’s 25th edition were Maia Balce in girls’ 18-under and Dave Sebastian Mosqueda in boys’ 18-under.

Phinma International juniors week 1 champ Khim Iglupas ruled the girls’ 16-under, while Eric Olivarez Jr. ruled the boys’ side.

Also reaping honors and  expected to play next week are Chloe Mae Saraza who won the girls’ 14-under, Arthur Craig Pantino in the boys’ 14-under, Denise Bernardo in the girls’ 12-under, Aljohn Talatayod in the boys’ 12 under and Miguel Luis Vicencio unisex 10-under.

The event is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Wilson Balls, Altamar Shipping, Tru-Flex and Thaddeus Goods.

Titong Cansino will serve as tournament referee, while Loida Mallare is tournament director. Entry fee is P300 per age category.

As a Grade 1 event, champions will get 200 ranking points. The runners-up will earn 150, semifinalists 100 and quarterfinalists 70.