Andrada Cup stakes huge ranking points

MANILA, Philippines — Ranking points and possible slots in the national pool are at stake when the week-long 25th Andrada Cup age group tennis championship kicks off on Monday at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila.

Organizers reported that slots in the 10-under unisex, and boys’ and girls’ 12-under, 14-under, 16-under and the premier 18-under events have been filled up.

Former Philippine Tennis Association president and incumbent Philippine Sports Commissioner Salvador “Buddy” Andrada said the tournament named after him usually determines the members of the junior Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams.

Among the past winners who are now established stars of local tennis are PH Cuppers Johnny Arcilla, Patrick John Tierro and Joseph Victorino and Jurence Mendoza, Clarice Patrimonio, Marinel Rudas, Czarina Mae Arevalo and Pablo Olivarez II.

“The players we send abroad usually come from the winners of the Andrada Cup,” said Andrada, who was recently installed honorary life president of the Asian Tennis Federation.

The long-running age group event will reward 200 ranking points to each champion and 120 to the runners-up.

Sponsoring the event are past and present Philta officials led by incumbent head Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Julito Villanueva, Manuel Misa, Pablo Olivarez, Oscar Hilado and Jean Henri Lhuillier. Marc Anthony Reyes