Bandala, Padilla favored in Liloy

MANILA, Philippines — Coming off a pair of imposing wins in Sindangan, Pete Bandala and Judy Ann Padilla go for multiple wins anew in Liloy, also in Zamboanga del Norte, as they banner the cast in the ongoing PPS-PEPP Mayor Roberto Uy Jr. national age-group tournament.

The 10-year-old Bandala tries to make it two in a row in the 10-unisex and 12-and-under categories which he ruled last week with the Dipolog star also going all-out to duplicate his two-title feat in doubles play of the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop.

Foiled in her own three-peat bid, Padilla tries again in her side of the draw this week, including the 16-U diadem, which she lost to Sindangan’s Rica Labrador, who is in the roster along with Jalia Elumba, Christine Gulagula and Chole Omos.

Padilla is bracing for a fierce fightback from top seed Sydney Enriquez in the premier 18-U singles category after the latter failed to live up to her billing and bowed to doubles partner Labrador in the semis.

She, however, is tipped to roll past her rivals in the 14-U division of the event serving as part of the Mindanao swing of the country’s longest talent search put up by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala headed by president and CEO Bobby Castro.

Keen competition is also seen in the boys’ side with Eric Tangub, Al Dree Pan, Russel Daarol and Nash Agustines expected to slug it out for top honors in the 18-U section with Agustines gaining the top seeding in the 16-U play.