30th Erne Jawad Cup table tennis tourney gets underway today

CEBU, Philippines — Over three decades since his tragic death, the legacy of Erne Jawad, one of Cebu’s best table netters ever, lives on.

Today, hundreds of table tennis players from all over the country will showcase their wares in the 30th edition of the annual Erne Jawad Memorial Table Tennis Cup at Robinsons Galleria Cebu.

Tournament organizer Jessica Jawad-Honoridez said many players are joining the event this time since they missed the action for two years because of the pandemic.

Supported by the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC), the Jawad Cup’s grand comeback will run for three days.

The categories to be contested are the men’s and women’s open, and the boys and girls 12 and 17 Under. There will also be an executive division and team event.

Cebu’s top bets, mostly from the University of Cebu (UC), will have their hands full against the present and former members of the Philippine team as well as some varsity players from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, University of Santo Tomas (UST), and University of the Philippines (UP).

Before the games, a simple opening ceremony will take place to be graced by CCSC chairman John Pages and vice chairman, councilor Dondon Hontiveros.  (FREEMAN)