FIVE Dabawenyos will try to pull off surprises in the fifth Merco-Selecta Davao Men's Tennis Challenge Invitational Tournament where current Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) men's No. 1-ranked Johnny Arcilla of Butuan City will defend his men's singles and doubles titles.
The cash-rich tournament, which offers P30,000 to the singles titlist and P20,000 for the doubles champion, is slated October 27 to 30 at the Ecoland Phase 1 Tennis Club courts.
Tournament director Boy Diong, in Davao Sportswriters' Association (DSA) Forum at The Annex of SM City Davao Friday, October 21, said only five players will represent Davao City to the 32-player main draw while others will come from nearby cities and provinces.
He cited John JericAccion of the UAAP men's tennis champion team National University and veteran Michael Mesa as among the five Dabawenyos competing in the netfest that also expects No. 5 Leander Lazaro of NU, UAAP men's tennis champion, No. 7 Ronard "Toto" Joven of Sultan Kudarat and No. 17 Roel Capangpangan.
Joven was a semi-finalist of the Merco-Selecta event last year.
"Mahihirapan ang mga players natin (from Davao) kina Arcilla pero bilog naman ang bola. May laban din naman sila," Diong said, adding that regular campaigner Mark Anthony Alcoseba of Davao City will be missing action this year along with No. 4 Vicente Alberto "Onyok" Anasta.
Alcoseba and Anasta are both tied up with other engagements.
Diong, however, said currently-ranked No. 3 Patrick John Tierro will have yet to confirm his participation on October 24.
Drawing of lots is set at 12 p.m., October 26, at Eco 1 courts.
Players from Butuan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Tagum City, and Bukidnon and are also entered in the free admission event.
Aside from top-notch tennis action, free Selecta ice cream also await spectators. Matches start at 8 a.m. in the four-day meet. (With ABM)
