Philta-Palawan tennis to hold 5 tournaments in Mindanao

THE Philta-Palawan Pawnshop Regional Age-Group Championships presented by Babolat will shift action to Mindanao with five legs to be held in key cities there.

The Mindanao tennis action will kick off in Davao City from Oct. 5-8 to be followed by Kidapawan City on Oct. 12-15, General Santos on Nov. 9-12, Cagayan de Oro on Nov. 16-19 and Sultan Kudarat on Nov. 23-26.

“This is the chance for the Mindanao youths to showcase their talent and skills and we expect to produce another batch of promising players throughout the five-leg circuit,” said Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) president Rep. Edwin Olivarez, in an emailed statement.

The circuit was organized by Palawan Pawnshop and Babolat as part of their continuing effort to help develop tennis and produce players who could be tapped to comprise the national team in various international competitions.

The circuit has already gone to Iloilo, Bacolod and Cebu as part of Philta’s nationwide talent-search.

“The huge turnout in all legs has been very encouraging. With the help of the host clubs and the Philta regional vice presidents, we guarantee our continued support to this worthwhile undertaking,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro.

Guillermo Nocom, president of Technosports, exclusive distributor of Babolat equipment, also reiterated the company’s backing of this circuit featuring competitions in boys’ and girls’ 12-U, 14-U, 16-U and 18-U divisions and the 10-unisex. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON WITH PR