Top juniors clash in Olivarez Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The Olivarez Cup 2016 presented by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala will feature the best of the best in the juniors side when it unwraps Thursday at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

All the winners in the various legs of this year’s PPS-PEPP age-grouper are competing in the top-ranking tournament, ensuring a spirited chase for the 10-unisex and boys’ and girls’ 12-, 14-, 16- and 18-and-under singles titles.

“This is going to be exciting. All the winners of the previous leg are  in the fold and are raring to prove their worth against each other,” said Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, who helped put up the event along with Rep. Eric Olivarez and Dr. Pablo Olivarez as part of the family’s long-time commitment to develop the sport and help in the country’s talent-search.

Gen. Santos City’s Kylde Lagarde, Koronadal champion Janus Ringia, Sultan Kudarat ace Wilfred Bentillo, Cedric Pamplona of Kidapawan, M’lang’s Tennielle and Jazelle Madis, Davao City aces John David and Patricia Velez, Cagayan de Oro champion Matt Palasan, Rupert Tortal of Surigao and Jose Maria Pague of Zamboanga banner the challenge from Mindanao in the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and Slazenger as the official ball.

The Visayan circuit winners will be led by Bliss Bayking of San Carlos City, Tracy Llamas and Alexa Milliam of La Carlota, Iloilo’s Nikhel Nowlakha, Roxas City’s Al Francis Andrade, Nino Rey of Kalibo and rising star Chad Connor Cuizon and Tiffany Nocos of Cebu.

The Luzon winners, meanwhile, will be headed by Jan Trillanes and Glydel Guevarra of Iriga, Naga’s Nolan Gagalac, Kurt Molina of Camarines Norte, Legazpi City’s Jenard Gonzales, La Union’s Marc Andrrei and Alexi Jarata, Lucena’s Gaby Zoleta, Patrick and the Alcala siblings.