MANILA, Philippines — The spotlight returns to the nation’s top junior and emerging tennis talents as the Rep. Edwin Olivarez National Tennis Championships kicked off yesterday at the Olivarez Sports Center courts in Sucat, Parañaque.
Over 200 participants will compete in nine age categories over the next two weeks. Notable among them is Sandra Bautista, who aims to secure titles in both the girls’ 16-and-under and 18-and-under categories.
Despite falling short in the 18-and-under division at the Dr. Pablo Olivarez Sr. tournament last month, Bautista, from Bacoor, Cavite, is determined to triumph in both divisions this time.
Joy Ansay will be a top contender and challenger in both categories, with strong competition from Ave Maria Policarpio, Erynne Ong, Ayl Gonzaga, Jasmine Sardona and Trisha Sio in the younger division.
In the 18-and-under category, Bautista faces challenges from Jillianne Tenoria, Policarpio, Sio, Ong and Dania Bulanadi.
The event is part of a nationwide program initiated by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro, supported by Universal Tennis Ranking and ICON Golf and Sports.