The junior tennis season kicks off today with the traditional Masters Top 8 with the top-ranked players in four age-group categories last year clashing for top honors at the Iloilo Sports Complex's courts in Iloilo City.

This marks the first time that the Province of Iloilo is hosting a tournament of this magnitude with Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. guaranteeing its successful staging at the ISC synthetic grass courts and LaPaz hard courts.

Kimi Brodeth, Chloe Mercado, Chelsea Bernaldez, Sanshena Francisco, Czarina Miraflor, AJ Acabo, Jasmine Jaran and Faith Blanco banner the girls' 18-and-under division with Kendrick Bona, Mclean Gomera, Randy Pausanos, Ivan Manila, Ariel Cabaral, Gio Manito, Chad Cuizon and John Lataza disputing the crown in the boys' side of the premier division presented by the Province of Iloilo.

Under the format, the eight players are divided into two groups with the top two from each pool advancing to the crossover semifinals of the event supported by the Iloilo Sports Development and Management, headed by Ma. Janelyn Fundal and Ray Cabarles.