Alcantara, Iglupas seek repeat as Tunafest Open unwraps

MANILA, Philippines - Casey Alcantara tries to spring another surprise title run while Khim Iglupas hopes to live up to the hype as they banner the elite field in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Tuna Festival Open unfolding today at the Gen. Santos City courts in Gen. Santos City.

Alcantara upended No. 2 Johnny Arcilla in the semis then stunned top seed PJ Tierro in four to snare the men’s Open singles crown in the recent Olivarez Cup while Iglupas swept Marian Capadocia to repeat as champion in the distaff side, making them the players to beat in this week’s event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and hosted by the country’s tuna capital.

Still unranked in this week-long ranking tournament presented by Technifibre, also the official ball, the 23-year-old Alcantara faces Klyde Lagarde in one of the 16 matches kicking off the tournament offering P40,000 to the winner.

The top seeded Tierro opens his campaign against wild card Andrei Domingo while the No. 2 Arcilla clashes with another wild card, Dominador Lagare, in the lower half of the draw.

“Despite the presence of the national team players, we expect a string of surprises right in the first round. The competition has become unpredictable with so many new faces emerging from our nationwide, year-long circuit,” said Bobby Castro, COO of Palawan Pawnshop, chief backer of Philta’s junior program.

Iglupas, meanwhile, remains the top seed in the women’s side with the Philippine Tennis Academy standout taking on Carlyn Guarde tomorrow with second seed Edilyn Balanga squaring off with Joy Sapitanan in the lower half of the 16-player draw.

“We expect a fierce battle for the women’s crown with some of our top players in the fold,” said Philta president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, referring to the likes of sisters Christine and Clarice Patrimonio, Marinel Rudas, Sally Siso, Nicole Bautista, Jzash Canja, Sharyl delos Santos, Hanna Espinosa, Joyce Haro, Jocelyn Casas and Danna Abad.

Also on tap is the mixed doubles, where Arcilla and Joven are the defending champions, and the age-group competitions, according to Bobby Mangunay, PPS-PEPP Sports Program Development director. For details, call 0915-4046464.

Other featured first round matchups in the men’s singles are No. 3 Elberto Anasta against George Daa, No. 4 Marc Reyes versus Leo Perez, No. 5 Anthony Alcoseba against Lyndon Labandero, and sixth ranked Fritz Verdad versus Jeshem Pedres.