15th Gullas Cup tennis opens today

CEBU, Philippines - The Gullas Cup, the biggest and longest-running junior tennis event in the Visayas and Mindanao, unfolds its 15th season today at the Cebu Country Club.

The five-day tilt, which takes pride for being the only Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (PHILTA) Group 2-sanctioned event in the Vis-Min region, gathers the best junior netters in the country, thus, fans of the popular racquet-sport should brace for an exciting battle.

“The tournament is now on its 15th year, making it the longest-running tennis event in the region and perhaps in the entire country,” said University of the Visayas (UV) executive vice president Jose “Dodong” R. Gullas.

“Next year, we want to make it bigger by including the men’s open division,” added Gullas.

Tournament director Fritz Tabura said over 100 players will join the action, the bulk of which comes from host Cebu. The rest are coming from as far as Tangub City, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete and San Carlos City.

Although upsets are possible for the visiting netters, they have to contend against an army of talented Cebuano players bannered by the Siso siblings Sally Mae and Niño and the equally-decorated Jacob Lagman, who has improved vastly since undergoing an extensive training regimen in Spain last year.

Among the age-brackets to be contested are the 18, 16, 14 and 12-under and 10-under unisex. Games in the boys division will be staged at CCC, while the girls will be held at the Baseline tennis courts.

Tabura advised all the participants to be at the CCC before 8 am, which is the deadline for the registration. The order of play will be determined by drawing of lots.

Beautifully-crafted trophies and gift certificates are up for grabs for the winners. There will also be a special award for the Most Outstanding Athlete, which will be handed out to the participants who edifies the true essence of sportsmanship. (FREEMAN NEWS)