MANILA, Philippines - The Philta-Palawan Pawnshop Regional Age-Grouper kicks off its nationwide 27-leg circuit tomorrow in Dumalag, Capiz with a banner field expected to clash for top honors in various divisions.
The four-day event ending Sunday marks the first time that Dumalag is hosting a Philta ranking tournament since 1960. The province last produced a Davis Cupper in Ramon Funtera in 1974-76 while Tomas Falcis reigned as the national collegiate and national student champion from 1973-76.
“We are very grateful to Philta, Palawan Pawnshop and Babolat for bringing this tournament here and it’s an honor to be chosen as the kick-off leg of the nationwide circuit,†said Mayor Lilia “Nene†Castro.
Registration is ongoing with deadline set at 12 noon also tomorrow before the Group 3 tournament, sponsored by Philippine sports commissioner and former Philta chief Buddy Andrada, starts at 2 p.m., according to Philta referee and tournament-in-charge Bobby Mangunay.
For details, text or call Mangunay at 0195-4046464 or email bobbymangunay@yahoo.com.
“We are one with Philta in its effort to develop the sport and provide tournaments for the young tennis players,†said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro.
For his part, Guillermo Nocom, president of Technosports, exclusive distributor of Babolat, reiterated their continued support to Philta’s worthwhile program.
Events on tap are the boys and girls 12-, 14-, 16-, and 18-and-under divisions and the 10-unisex category.
From Capiz, action shifts to Iloilo City for the Group 2 tournament on Jan. 22-28 with Dr. Andres Bayona as host. Two Group 3 tournaments are also slated on Feb. 1-4 and Feb. 8-11 in Kalibo, Aklan and La Carlota City in Negros Occidental, respectively, while Bacolod City will host the fifth leg on Feb. 14-18.