Junior tennis aces chase PPS Isulan glory

The Gov. Datu Pax Ali Sangki Mangudadatu National Juniors Tennis Championships kick off today in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, marking the first leg of a three-stop Mindanao swing of the Palawan Pawnshop Palawan Express Pera Padala nationwide circuit.

Nearly 150 young players will battle for top honors and ranking points across seven age-group divisions at the Isulan Capitol courts.

This Group 2 tournament promises high-intensity matches in all categories.

Leading the charge for the boys’ 18-and-under title are Kurt Alcantara, Charles Gallo, Isaac Sanke and Tom Songcayauon, while Sanschena Francisco, Justine Gumbao, Haifa Mokalid and Atheenah Orlanda are among the favorites in the girls’ premier division.

The tournament serves as an essential platform for identifying and developing young talent, with an eye on future national team prospects.

Alcantara also holds the top seed in the 16U category, facing tough competition from Carl Eduarte, Aljavan Lumambas and Juhnn Batilo. Meanwhile, Gumbao also leads the girls’ 16U cast alongside Mariam Mokalam, Jacinth Quilban and Angel Maguad.

The 14U class features a stacked 32-player draw, with Julius Otoc, Eduarte, Prince Centino and Kresthan Belacas set to showcase their skills. Gumbao, looking for a triple crown, will also compete in this division against Kathryina Makabangkit, Angel Maguad and Joyce Bautista.

In the boys’ 12U category, Belacas faces stiff competition from Marco Pilapil, Al Jamer Ugalingan and Gabriel Francisco.

After Isulan, the Mindanao circuit moves to Kidapawan City on 13 to 17 March, followed by Digos City on 20 to 25 March.