Olivarez Cup juniors netfest unwraps

MANILA, Philippines – The Olivarez Cup 2016 presented by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala gets going today with matches in the boys and girls’ 12-, 14- and 16-and-under and 10-unisex on tap at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

The juniors tournament, which features all the winners in various legs of this year’s PPS-PEPP nationwide age-grouper, serves as the kickoff of a three-week long tennis festival put up annually by Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez 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.

It includes the centerpiece men’s and women’s Open Championship, headed by the country’s aces, slated Aug. 9-12, the team event on Aug. 13, 14, 20 and 21, and the inter-school competition from Aug. 14-20.

“We welcome the close to 300 participants to this annual gathering of the best of the best in juniors and Open and a slew of rising stars raring to share the spotlight,” said Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

Dennise Bernardo takes on Clariza Caorte, Jackie Tan Ho faces Bettina Catoto, Niña Sandejas tangles with Cheli Cruz, Gabby Sandejas squares off with Elise Cruz, Daniella Poblador mixes it up with Mia So, Niña Reyes clashes with Christina Del Mundo, Elise Geluz tests Yanna Reyes’ mettle, and Geanlijah Sagandoy collides with Bea Gomez in today’s featured matches in the girls’ 16-U section which attracted a full-packed 64-player field.

All categories in the boys side and the 10-unisex also drew 64-player cast while the rest in the girls’ category features 32-player draws, underscoring the all-support of the country’s age-groupers seeking ranking points and exposure in a top-level tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and Slazenger as the official ball.

“We expect to produce future members of the national team from this tournament and we take pride in developing the sport by staging this year-long circuit annually,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro.