PH’s top netters to vie in Cebuana Lhuillier

Some of the best and promising netters gather this Sunday for the fifth edition of the Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Circuit at the Baseline Recreation Center.

The group B tournament will feature the country’s top 16 netters mixing it up with some of the brightest prospects in the sport.

Among them is 15-year-old Cebuano Arthur Craig “Iggy” Pantino, who is being trained by tournament director Jun Toledo.

Toledo leads in scouting potential players for the country under the Philippine Tennis Academy (PTA), a training center in Manila for young players.

“ I have been scouting prospects here and in Manila and I am proud to say that a Cebuano has what it takes to become champion here and abroad,” said Toledo of Pantino.

“Hopefully, there is more like him here in Cebu. I hope my dream will come true that Cebu will have its own Davis Cupper,” added Toledo during the official launching at the Baseline yesterday.

Other noted netters Toledo bared were 15-year-old Jurenz Mendoza, Kyle Parpan, Stephan Suarez and 16-year-old Joshua Cano.

Defending champion and the country’s top-rated player Johnny Arcilla will be the netter to beat in the tournament.

The organizers of the tournament have two goals for this year’s edition. One is to continue the tough competition that the top 16 tennis players offer to local talents. The other is to search for young talents like Pantino, who has the potential to become a champion for the country.

The qualifying will kick off on Sunday while the 32-man main draw of the singles open will start Monday. The qualifying matches will feature 30 netters competing for the four slots at stake for the main draw.

The tournament will also feature doubles open and pro-amateur competition.

The singles open champion will walk away with P40,000 and 300 points for his Philta rankings. The doubles champion will win P20,000.

Entry fee for the tournament is pegged at P500. Regostration can be done at the venue.