The MAC’s Crankit Foundation National Juniors Tennis Championships, set for 2 to 7 April at the Valle Verde Country Club courts in Pasig City, marks a milestone in the long-running Palawan Pawnshop nationwide circuit.

The event has not only attracted a record number of 256 participants but has also earned international accreditation from the Modern Tennis Methodology Coaches Association (MTMCA).

Other notable MCF NTC UTR events, such as the Semana Sang Iloilo Open tournament from 8 to 13 April will also take place.

Seven of the nine age group categories will feature 32-player draws, highlighting the increasing popularity of the sport, particularly among young players inspired by Alex Eala’s historic feat in the Miami Open.

The tournament, presented by Dunlop, is expected to fuel the aspirations of its participants, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and pursue success on the world stage.

Tournament organizer and PPS-PEPP program director Bobby Mangunay confirmed the event’s international accreditation, featuring Philippe Matta as the guest of honor.

Other notable MCF NTC UTR events, such as the Semana Sang Iloilo Open tournament from 8 to 13 April will also take place.

Matta, a renowned resource educator and examiner, is sponsored by coach Pat Matet Puzon of MAC’s Cranchid Foundation.

He will conduct an International Tennis Coaches Course seminar from 4 to 6 April, focusing on the latest coaching techniques, tactical drills, and best practices from the world’s leading tennis academies.

The tournament, sanctioned by Philta and supported by Dunlop, Universal Tennis, and ICON Golf & Sports, will feature singles events in the 10U unisex, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U categories for both boys and girls.

In the boys’ premier division category, Ariel Cabaral, Frank and France Dilao, and Antonio Ng. Jr. will headline the competition. Meanwhile, Mikaela Ngu, Dania Bulanadi, Izabelle Camcam, and Claire Casiller will battle for the girls’ 18U title.

The 16U category is set for intense matchups, with Anthony Castigador, Troan Vytiaco, Brendan Morales, and Marwin Plata leading the boys’ division, while Camcam, Jasmine Sardona, Bulanadi, and Maristella Torrecampo are among the top contenders in the girls’ bracket.

Castigador also leads the 14U division, alongside Alexandre Coyiuto, Francisco De Juan III, and Jairus Peralta. In the girls’ 14U category, Torrecampo is the player to beat, with Shaner Gabaldon, Isabel Ataiza, and Athena Liwag also vying for the title.

Peralta is the top seed in the boys’ 12U category, facing challenges from Jan Caleb Villeno, De Juan III, and Gabriel Vitaliano. In the girls’ 12U division, Liwag, Francine Wong, Gabaldon, and Amanda Barrido are among the title contenders.