FRANCIS Casey Alcantara and Khim Iglupas will be the players to beat when the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Tuna Festival Open tennis championships kick off on Tuesday in General Santos City.
“I just got a strong start to my professional career, I’m ready for anything,” said the 23-year-old Alcantara, the 2009 Australian Open boys doubles champion.
A Philippine Davis Cup mainstay, Alcantara is fresh from beating veterans Patrick John Tierro and Johnny Arcilla to rule the recent Olivarez Cup.
Iglupas will be riding the crest of her victory over another veteran Marian Capadocia also in the Olivarez Cup final.
“This is going to be another thrilling battle for the crown not only in the men’s side but also in the ladies division with all our top players competing,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro.
Young talent Monica Therese Cruz will be among the strong contenders in the women’s side.