THE THIRD Olivarez Cup Open tennis championships get going March 1 with the country’s leading players, interclub campaigners and rising stars slugging it out for top honors and ranking points at Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.
Davis Cupper Johnny Arcilla and titleholder Vicente Elbert Anasta head the cast in the premier division that also includes Patrick John Tierro, Marc Reyes, Rolando Ruel Jr., Ronard Joven, Pablo Olivarez II and Jeson Patrombon.
Marian Jade Capadocia, Marinel Rudas and sisters Christine and Clarice Patrimonio banner the cast in the ladies’ side.
Up for grabs in the 17-day tournament, presented by Palawan Pawnshop and sponsored by Dunlop Sports, Stronghold Insurance, Fed-ex Air21 and Olivarez Sports Center, are a total of P300,000 in cash.
Events on tap are men’s and women’s singles and doubles, men’s and ladies’ team competition, intercollegiate categories as well as the age-group for boys’ and girls’ 18-under, 16-under, 14-under, 12-under and 10-under unisex.
“Through the years, it has been the commitment of the Olivarez family, through Dr. Pablo Olivarez, to develop our players by providing top-notch tournaments like this,” said Philta president Rep. Edwin Olivarez. “We hope to inspire our young players to achieve a higher level of play.”
“We thank Palawan Pawnshop for its commitment to help the sport till 2021,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro. “It is our desire to help the sport and produce world-class netters because we believe that Filipino players can be at par with the best.”
Registration is ongoing. For inquiries, call the Olivarez Sports Center secretariat at 8202237, Philta office at 5236415 or tournament referee/in-charge Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.