Andrada Cup netfest unfolds

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s best and brightest age-groupers take the spotlight today as the 30th Andrada Cup Tennis Championships unfurls today at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Over a hundred singles entries will see action in different age brackets including the premier 18-under boys’ and girls’ section where Jude Hidalgo and Ma. Patricia Lim are tipped to live up to their top billing in their respective divisions.

Both Hidalgo and Lim have drawn opening round byes to become the first to reach the second-round in this tournament named after former Philippine Tennis Association president and Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Buddy Andrada.

Hidalgo will face the winner between Michael Tulio and Vincent Tenorio, who will clash at 11 a.m. today, while Lim will tackle either Bettina Catoto or Gabby Sandejas, who were scheduled to clash at 7 a.m. tomorrow.

Defending Mark Andrei Jarata and top seed Axl Lajon Gonzaga, for their part, renew their rivalry in the boys’ 14-under division.

Jarata, seeded second this year, turned back Gonzaga, 6-7(9), 6-4, 6-1, to capture the crown last year.

Both Jarata and Gonzaga already advanced to the second round via byes.

Jarata’s younger sister, Marielle,last year’s underd-12 champ, campaigns in the 14-under group shere is favorite to reign supreme being the No. 1 pick.