Mendoza, Nguyen face world's top jrs in Mitsubishi tennis

MANILA, Philippines - The head of the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) expressed confidence about the country’s chances in the coming 23rd edition of the Mitsubishi Lancer International Junior Tennis Championship.

Jurence Mendoza and Tamitha Nguyen banner the Filipinos’ bid in the tough tournament among top junior players around the world as they vie for honor and ranking points in the annual meet that starts on March 20 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

“In my appreciation, I think we have a very good chance, especially in Jurence,” said Philta president Edwin Olivarez during the formal launching of the event in the PSA Forum at Shakey’s UN Ave. branch on Tuesday.

Mendoza, 15, captivated local tennis aficionados following his stunning runner-up finish to veteran Johnny Arcilla in last year’s PCA Open.

An Olongapo National High School student, Mendoza reminds Olivares of another local teenage tennis sensation in Jason Patrombon.

Now 19, Patrombon reached the boys finals of the Mitsubishi tournament last year, but lost to Australian Andrew Whittington, 6-2, 6-3.

“He reminds me of Jason, they’re of the same size,” said Olivarez, who was joined in the podium by Mitsubishi Motors Phils. Corp. vice president, marketing services Froilan Dytianquin, and advertising and public relations manager Arlan Reyes, in the session presented by Smart, Pagcor, and Shakey’s.

Out to spoil the home bets’ bid to regain the title Maricris Fernandez last won for the country in 1995, are Serbian Nikola Milojevic, ranked No. 15 in the world, and Stefan Vinti of Romania in the boys’ division, while the distaff side will be led by world No. 10 Indy De Vroome of the Netherlands, and Eliveta Kulichkova of Russia.

“It’s definitely a tough tournament, one of the longest running junior meets in the world,” said Dytianquin, citing the likes of former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, Americans Andy Roddick and Mardy Fish, and Leander Paes of India, as among the top netters today who previously saw action here during their teens.

Reyes added a total of 96 players will see action in the event, but only 48 will advance into the main draw.

A free tennis clinic will be held during the course of the tournament, according to Dytianquin, set March 25 at 9 a.m. in the same playing venue. National coaches will personally share their expertise and train participants.

Interested parties may register at the Rizal Memorial tennis stadium starting March 20, with the first 20 registrants receiving a Ralliart item.