Head Junior Tennis 2013 kicks off in Davao

MANILA, Philippines - Junior tennis players all over the country plunge into action in the HEAD 2013 Junior Satellite Circuit national tennis age-group tournament starting April 1 in Davao City.

Now on its 15th year, the competition, backed by Smart Communications and HEAD, the leading worldwide tennis brand, and Chris Sports, the nationwide sports retail chain, will run in April until June 7 in different key tennis cities from Mindanao to Visayas and Luzon.

The most attended and final leg of the 70-day annual tennis event, will be held June 1-7 at the Meralco tennis courts, home of junior tennis in Metro Manila.

Expected to compete in the tournament are the Head Elite-sponsored players and other grassroots players supported by Smart, Chris Sports, Meralco, Maynilad, Toalson and Head, the official tennis ball.

Smart and Chris Sports are encouraging students and even out-of-school youths to engage in tennis and compete in the various legs of the series sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta).

“Many famous Filipino players who are now active in international junior circuits were discovered in this circuited tournament,” said Liza Tang Yuquico, managing director of Dynamic Sports, local distributor of Head Philippines. “We continue our mission to make it the springboard for up-and-coming young talented players.”

The junior satellite circuit takes off in Mindanao starting with the Davao City leg April 1-5, followed by General Santos April 7-11, Cagayan De Oro April 13-17; and Zamboanga City April 19-23.

The Visayas leg will commence at Consolacion, Cebu April 26-30, then goes to Dumaguete City May 1-5, Bacolod May 7-11 and Iloilo City May 13-17.

Baguio City is the first host of the Luzon leg May 19-23, followed by Olongapo May 25-29 before the circuit goes to Metro Manila in June.

“This tournament has now become the most prestigious event of its kind nationally,” said Chris Sports marketing manager Arleen Lindo. “The program serves as a meeting place for players from different regions in the countries to earn Philta ranking points.”

The singles and doubles events will be played in different age categories – 10-and-under (unisex) and 12-under, 14-under, 16-under, 18-under for boys and girls.

Now on its fifth year in its commitment to grassroots tennis, Smart Communications, with executive vice president and head of consumer wireless division Noel Lorenzana, has renewed its support to the program with its advocacy to live well through sports.

It also encourages families to spend more time together as they cheer for their athlete.

Head, a leading tennis brand nationwide and worldwide, is available at all Chris Sports’ more than 34 branches nationwide.

Details: www.chrissports.net or http://www.facebook.com/HeadJrTennisSatelliteCircuit.

Inquiries: tournament directors Juanito Cansino for Mindanao (09087432405), Niño Salvador for Visayas (09399018681), Pereme Alina for Luzon (09175065034), and Alexis at (02) 925-1578/925-2391.