Patrombon, Patrimonio banner PPS-Palawan Pintaflores cast

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s top guns and rising stars slug it out for top honors as action in the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Pintaflores Open Tennis Championship got under way yesterday at the Sacata Tennis Club in Negros Occidental.

Jeson Patrombon and Clarice Patrimonio banner the men’s and women’s fields, respectively, both bracing for a tough week-long battle of power and wits in the event hosted by Mayor Gerardo Valmayor Jr. and the local government units of San Carlos City.

Patrombon kicks off his campaign against Clyde Bienes with the 24-year-old Davis Cupper hoping to hurdle his unranked rival for a duel with the winner of the Charles Kinaadman-Reynan Mahusay in the next round of the event organized by the Unified Tennis Philippines headed by OIC for Negros Occidental Criston Carmona and supported by Vice Gov. Bong Lacson and Jules Ledesma.

Second seed PJ Tierro, another veteran Davis Cupper, faces Joseph Singson in the lower half of the draw with No. 3 Fritz Verdad, fourth ranked Vicente Anasta, No. 5 John Mari Altiche and sixth seed Deo Talatayod also eyeing to get past their respective rivals in the early going of the event put up by Palawan Pawnshop.

Patrimonio, on the other hand, launches her drive against Glenda Ong today with second seed Khim Iglupas facing Yasthyme Rivera and No. 3 Jade Capadocia and fourth ranked Shaira Rivera taking on Ellain Bahonsua and Tracy Llamas, respectively.

“Although the veterans boast of the experience, we expect the young guns to step up and spring some surprises, guaranteeing another exciting week for the fans and the sport,” said Palawan Pawnshop president Bobby Castro.

Also on tap in the event, supported by the UTG’s Cebuana Lhuillier, PPS-PEPP, Wilson, Toby’s, BMeg, Citigreen, Babolat and Tru-Flex, is the mixed doubles.