Arthur Craig “Igi” Diaz Pantino, one of Cebu ’s top junior netters, will be relocating to Manila starting next month after he was taken in by the Philippine Tennis Academy (PTA).
The PTA is the same tennis school which also trains Jurence Mendoza and Albert Lim Jr. in preparation for international events. It is headed by Romie Chan, who is the sponsor of Francis Casey Alcantara.
Jun Pantino, however, clarified that his son will still be representing Cebu, especially his school the University of San Carlos South Campus (USC-SC), in tournaments provided that it will not be in conflict with international events.
Although the 10-year-old netter will be staying permanently in Manila and will be accompanied by his mother Lourdes, he will not be studying in a school there.
Chan wanted to transfer Igi to La Salle Zobel but Jun said they are negotiating with USC-SC to put Igi under a homestudy program because they would rather have Igi have his education under a Cebu school.
The Pantinos will also not allow Igi to stop schooling and focus on tennis because they value the importance of education. Education is also part of PTA’s program.
Jun said that the PTA move started when Chan called them and asked them to submit a list of Igi’s achievements. Chan then came to Cebu to meet the Pantinos and played a round of tennis with Igi. Two weeks later, he came back and offered Igi a program.
According to Jun, Chan told them that he has heard of Igi’s achievements, especially when Igi became the champion in his category in the PCA Open last October.
Igi is currently ranked no. 12 in the boys 12-under category. He recently clinched the title in the boys 12-under category of the Group 1 Olivarez-Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) Open Tennis Championships held in Manila last week.