Unbeaten Estanio seeks 4th double

MANILA, Philippines - Rogelio Estanio Jr. seeks another sweep of the 16- and 18-and-under divisions as action in the Smart presents Head age-group National Tennis Tour 2011 Junior Satellite Circuit shifts to Cebu beginning today.   

Estanio swept the boy’s 18 and 16 under titles in the circuit’s first three legs in Koronadal, Davao and Cagayan De Oro, making him the heavy favorite in this week’s competitions at the Cebu Country Club in Banilad, Cebu City.

“I really want to excel in this national circuit organized by Smart Sports, Head and Chris Sports,” said Estanio. “It’s great to win the first three legs in Mindanao. But I’m expecting the challenge to become tougher.”

“But with my hardwork, I guess I can achieve it,” he said.

The presence of new but talented players in the fourth leg will raise the level of competition where more than 100 netters are expected to vie in various categories.

Cebu’s Sally Mae Siso, the reigning girl’s 18 and 16 under class winner last year in Cebu, tries to defend her crowns against an equally talented field.

Other events on tap are the 10-year-and-under (unisex), 12-and-under (boys), 14-and-under (boys), 16-and-under (boys), 18-and-under (boys), 12-and-under (girls), 14-and-under (girls), 16-and-under (girls) and 18-under (girls). 

“It’s a dream to play against the best and I’m working very hard each day to improve my game,” said Estanio.

The circuit is backed by Chris Sports, Meralco, Maynilad, Head, the official ball, and Toalson and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta), which provides ranking points to all leg winners.

From Cebu, the circuit will go to Iloilo on April 16-18, then to Bacolod on April 19-21, Dumaguete on April 23-25, Zamboanga on April 27-29, Dapitan, Dakak on May 1-5, Baguio on May 16-19, Olongapo on May 21-24, San Pablo on May 26-28 and Metro Manila on May 30-June 5.