WITH THE intention of doing it for the long haul, Peugeot Philippines yesterday launched the Philippine Tennis Open, a multi-leg competition that hopes to give players from all over the country a venue to showcase their skills.
Peugeot Phils president Glen Dasig said national team members are welcome to take part and will be given wildcard entries to the national finals slated Feb. 15-21 in Metro Manila.
“We are planting the seeds of tennis here in the country,” said Dasig whose 200-year-old company is a major sponsor of the French Open.
He added that winners in men’s and women’s singles will be given free airfare and accommodation to the 2016 French Open in Roland Garros.
Peugeot, which also supports the Rio Open and Barcelona Open, is making the PPTO as its first tourney in Asia Pacific.
There will be five regional legs and the quarterfinals will go straight to the national finals in a venue that has yet to be determined.
The opening leg will be held Oct. 12-18 in Cagayan de Oro to be followed by Nueva Ecija (Nov. 2-8), Bacolod (Nov. 23-29), Cebu (Jan. 11-18) and National Capital Region (Feb. 1-7).
National athletes Patrick John Tierro and Marian Jade Capadocia attended the media launch held at Valle Verde Country Club.