Palawan age-grouper caps 3-leg Leyte swing in Isabel

MANILA, Philippines - Master Yan and Joshua Torres set out for another “twinkill” as they banner the field vying in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age-group tournament presented by Technifibre at Isabel Tennis Club shellcourt in Isabel, Leyte beginning tomorrow.

The four-day tournament caps the country’s premier age-group tennis circuit’s three-stage swing in Leyte with Yan and Torres gunning for a third straight double-victory after romping off with the boys’ 16- and 18-, and the 12- and 14-and-under titles, respectively, in Baybay and Maasin, Leyte the past two weeks.

But Yan, from Hilongos, and the Baybay-native Torres are expected to encounter stiff resistance this time with John Montalbo seeking a payback against Yan in the 16- and 18-U classes and Curt Salinas and Crisari Gaviola out to spoil Torres’ three-leg title bid in the 12- and 14-U sections, respectively.

The battle in the distaff side is also expected to be fierce with Angeli Albino also eyeing to score a repeat of her twin victories in the 12- and 14-and-under categories of the tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association.

Meanwhile, the organizers and the host club said free registration is ongoing. For details, contact the Palawan Pawnshop secretariat at 0915-4046464.

“We want to give all the young players in Isabel and nearby towns and municipalities the rare chance to get a feel of tournament play and compete for top honors. The tremendous response we received in Baybay and Maasin has continued to inspire us to hold more tournaments even in far-flung areas as part of our effort to promote and develop the sport,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro.

Joy Sanico and Ma. Delrose Duran, finalists in the girls’ 18-U division in Baybay but missed the action in Maasin, will be back in Isabel, further toughening up the field in the premier category, headed by last week’s winner Mary Joy Calapre and runner-up Princess Paler.