September 29, 2007 | 12:00am
Michael Motel, Gloria Belandes, Benedict Gantuangko, Mary Grace Motel, Elona Dane, and Dannel Jay Tormis are ready to defend their titles as the 16th Erne Jawad Memorial Table Tennis Championships unfold this morning at Elizabeth Mall Activity Center.
More than 200 players from Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Leyte, Tacloban, aside from local players have registered for the event.
Motel got an invitation to try out for the RP Table Tennis SEA Games squad in Manila but decided to stay put so he can defend his crown in the annual event.
Belandes, who holds the women’s open crown, have sisters Mary Grace and Mary Angelie Motel among her top challengers.
Other champions Benedict Gantuangko and Mary Grace Motel (boys and girls 17-under), Elona Dane and Dannel Jay Tormis (boys and girls 12-under) are expecting tough challenge from promising players.
Jean Phillippe “Jepoy” Honoridez, nephew of the later Erne Jawad, is a player to watch in the 12-under division.
J& L Enterprises, Roel Simon Cerna, Lamitan mayor Roderick Furigay, Creamy Delights, Clinica de Lamitan, J.O.Construction, Y101, University of Cebu, Elizabeth Mall, Alfonso Albaño, Richell A.Cortes, Wealthbank-Mandaue, JYPKO Friends of JYPKO Foundation Society of Japan are supporting the events. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol
