MANILA, Philippines - The fifth First Gen Juntaphil Metro Age Group Tennis Championship unwraps today with the country’s top age-groupers and upcoming stars fighting it out for top honors and ranking points in various divisions at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Dheo Talatayod sets out for a second straight crown in the premier boys’ 18-and-under class while Samantha Coyiuto heads the 16-player field in the girls’ side of the Group I tournament presented by First Gen Corporation in its continuing effort to help develop the sport and provide young players a top level competition.
Talatayod kicks off his bid against Jose Cano while Coyiuto drew a bye and will face the winner of the Joy Yuen-Gladys Dimaculangan match in the next round of the tournament sponsored by Smart Communications.
Roxanne Resma and Jed Olivarez get the top seeding in their respective divisions in the 16-and-under category while Colleen Sioson and Christian Lopez will be the players to beat in the 14-and-under class.
As in the past, umpires will not be utilized for all age brackets 12-and-above as part of the International Tennis Federation’s honor system program and at the same time prepare the junior players for international competitions, according to the organizing Junior Tennis Association of the Phils.
Also in line with the ITF tennis 10s program, which was implemented this year, the First Gen tilt will include the 10-and-under tournament slated for four sets.
Rafa Villanueva and Jake Martin head the 12-and-under cast while Michael Eala also seeks a second straight title in the 10-unisex category of the event, the last of two tournaments put up by Juntaphil this summer.
The event is backed by official ball Technifibre and RCBC, Pet One, Accel and Kimura Chavez.
Details: Cesar San Juan (0906 277 7916, email cesarsanjuan1103@yahoo.com) or Facebook 5th First Gen/Juntaphil Metro Age Group.