All set for twin tennis events in Lapu-Lapu

CEBU, Philippines - The city government of Lapu-Lapu has thrown its full support to the twin tennis events set in Mactan Island on April 1-7.

These are the PHILTA-Truflex National Age-Group Tennis Championships on April 1-6 to be played in different venues and the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Zone Group 2 quarterfinal match between the Philippines and Thailand on April 5-7 solely at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

“The two events here will bring honor and pride to the city. I am very grateful for the tri-partite partnership between our city, Plantation Bay and Philta. Let these tennis events continue to push our bid to become the premier sports tourism destination in the country. Let it also inspire our youth to love sports particularly tennis,” said Mayor Paz Radaza in a press conference yesterday at Plantation Bay.

This marks for the first time that a national age-group tilt will coincide with a Davis Cup tie.

“With this schedule, it’s also going to be the first time that there will be foreign entries that’s going to join a local or a national age-group tournament,” said PHILTA vice president and Davis Cup Philippines administrator Randy Villanueva.

Some age-groupers from Hong Kong and Thailand have already confirmed their participants, while around 300 netters from all over the country are expected to see action in this Group 1 PHILTA- sanctioned event.

Meanwhile, Johnny Arcilla, Treat Huey, Ruben Gonzales, and Elbert Anasta, the vaunted quartet who powered Phl to a resounding 3-2 victory over Syria last month, are also the top prospects to represent the country against the Thais.

The likes of  Jeson Patrombon and Francis Casey Alcantara are also being considered.

The Phl-Thailand duel will have the same set-up as that of the first round wherein one side will be reserved for the VIPs.

“Yes, it’s still going to be free to the public and we are still adopting the same set-up in the last Davis Cup, adopting the style of the Wimbledon wherein tables with food and drinks will be served,” said Plantation Bay Resort and Spa General Manager Efren Belarmino. (FREEMAN)