Enriquez targets 3-title feat in PPS Pagadian

MANILA, Philippines – Sydney Enriquez tries to record a rare feat in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala regional age-group tennis tournament as she guns for three titles in the Gov. Tony Cerilles leg unfolding today at the ZDS Sports Complex Tennis Club in Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur.

The 14-year-old Enriquez gains the top seeding in the 14-, 16- and 18-and-under classes but though she is expected to dominate her age bracket and the 16-U division, the young star from Salug, Zamboanga del Norte braces for a tough outing in the premier class (18-U) of the event hosted by Cerilles as part of his continuing effort to help promote and develop the sport in the region.

Wyne Paglinawan, Aira Genetiano and Cristy Dalman are three of the top players raring to foil Enriquez, among the country’s top 16 junior players who competed in the recent WTA Future Stars Qualifiers, in the 18-U category.

Keen competition is also seen in various categories of the five-day, Group 3 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger with Kristine Bandolis. Faye Lim, Rose Tabudlong and Christelou Samson tipped to contend for the girls’ 12-U diadem.

Siblings Renest and Steven Sonsona gear up for a showdown in the boys’ 18-U side which also features Nilo Ledama, Jude Ceniza, Ralph Echavez, Brent Cortes, Uzzhel Pepito and Nik Isagan with Steven heading the cast in the full-packed, 64-player 16-U class of the tournament sanctioned by Philta and backed by Asiatraders Corp., exclusive distributor of Slazenger.

“We are overwhelmed by the tremendous response with over 250 entries taking part, including two 64-player draws in the boys’ side,” said Palawan Pawnshop CEO/president Bobby Castro.