A TOTAL of 48 entries will compete in the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (Fessap) Mindanao qualifying tennis tournament for colleges and universities that will open at 7 a.m. Friday at the Ecoland Phase 4 Tennis Club courts in Davao City.
Philta regional vice president for Mindanao Juanito "Titong" Cansiño, during the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at The Annex of SM City Davao Thursday, said the men's event drew 32 participants while the women's side has 16 competitors. They will also see action in the team event of the meet.
Fessap tournament director Antonio Quiza will be on hand to spearhead the games.
The top men and women's players will have a chance to compete in Chinese Taipei in an all-expense paid trip.
Cansino said Fessap will shoulder the plane ticket, transportation, food and hotel accommodation of players who will qualify.
He said that National University standout Jeleardo Amazona of Banaybanay, Davao Oriental and Sharyl delos Santos of General Santos City are among the early favorites.
Players from University of Mindanao will represent Davao City.
To qualify, the athletes should have at least one school identification card and needs to be currently enrolled in a university.