The PPS-PEPP national junior tennis circuit returns to Lanao del Norte with Thomas Gabuat and Sanschena Francisco leading close to 200 youngsters chasing top honors in nine age-group categories and ranking points at the Lala and MCL courts.

The Group 2 tournament got going Sunday with hostilities in the boys' 18-and-under side that drew 32 players, the same number of field clashing in the 14- and 16-and-under classes of the event presented by Dunlop.

Gabuat, from Zamboanga, Sibugay, gains the top seeding in the premier division that also features No. 2 Kale Villamar, Pete Bandala, Jan Docor, Mark Dagooc, Vinz Bering, Aljun Tizon and James Yosores.

Villamar, on the other hand, headlines the 16-U play, along with Benedict Lim, who shone in the PPS-PEPP Dimaporo National Juniors two weeks ago in Tubod after ruling the 14-U category and posting a runner-up finish in 16-U division to clinch the Most Valuable Player honors.

The 14-year-old Lim, a native of Maranding, Lala, goes all-out in a bid to score back-to-back victories in his age-group division that also features Bandala, Vincent Nadal, Deem Lanticse, Daniel Neri, Vincent Aguilar, Crislance Iglupas and Brent Baranggot.

Meanwhile, Francisco braces for a fierce duel with Gwen Bandolis in the girls' 18-U side of the tournament sponsored by Lala, Lanao del Norte Mayor Angel Yap and Vice Mayor Cesar Yap.

Francisco, from Sultan Kudarat, is also vying in 16-U class topbilled by Kate Imalay with Bandolis and Marlyn Mesiona also expected to contend for the crown in the event organized by councilor Ralph Lim.

Meanwhile, the country's longest-talent search put up by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro moves to Biñan, Laguna for the Rep. Lenlen Alonte-Naguiat national juniors and legends tournament on 19 to 23 July while the Mayor Eric Olivarez National Juniors will be held on 25 to 29 July at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.