Palawan jrs tennis returns to Mindanao for 2-week talent hunt

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s longest-running grassroots tennis talent-search returns to Mindanao for another two-week swing, with the Palawan Pawnshop Juniors Age Group Tennis Championships getting under way Thursday (Oct. 8) at the RGS and MIbang courts in Dipolog City. The Group 2 tournament, sanctioned by Philta and Universal Tennis Ranking, opened with action in four of the eight age-group divisions for boys and girls, with a fresh crop of prospects expected to emerge as established contenders battle to strengthen their rankings and build momentum on the national junior circuit. The spotlight shifts to the premier boys’ 18-and-under division Friday, with Keyan Sarip, Christian Dalida, Glandy Tatad and Hazer Malicay leading separate title bids in a field that also includes Jayson Pañares, Ivan Romero, Sky Bacongga and Clark Abalo. A similarly competitive cast is lined up in the girls’ 18-and-U class, where Joy Busig, Marlyn Mesiana, Julienne Aliser and Summer Regalado banner the field against Princess Pampula, Gifthea Sisi, Angelica Acido and Gabrielle Bulado. With ranking points and momentum at stake, the contenders are expected to go all out in the two-week Mindanao swing, which moves to Pagadian City next week. For details and registration, contact tournament director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464. The tournament is...