Dilao brothers brace for tennis clash

Frank and France Dilao gear up for a sibling rivalry as they lead a banner cast in the premier boys’ division of the Dr. Pablo Olivarez Sr. National Juniors Championships, which got under way Friday at the Olivarez Sports Center and Parañaque courts in Sucat.

With a huge number of entries vying for top honors and valuable ranking points in the five-day Group 2 tournament, organizers are utilizing both venues to ensure a smooth flow of matches. The event gathers the country’s top junior players alongside a slew of rising stars eager to break through and challenge the established names.

The girls’ competition will take its turn from 14 to 18 August.

While the Dilao brothers are tipped to figure prominently in the 18-and-under race, they are expected to face stiff opposition from fellow standouts Jonathan Higa, Julio Nariga, Gavin Kraut, Lance Maglaquii, Anton Parulan and Martin Paulsen, all aiming to launch their own title drives.

Fierce battles are likewise anticipated in the other age divisions, with several players eyeing multiple crowns.

Narido, for instance, seeks a possible two-title romp as he headlines the 16-and-U roster that also features Alexandre Coyiuto, Kenji Kue and Paulsen. In the 14-and-U bracket, Matteo Calingasan is tagged as the player to beat, with Kue also doubling up in this class against the likes of Matthias Go, Sky Berille, Enzo Masaga, Antonio Cablitas and Aaron Coyiuto.

The 12-and-U side, meanwhile, is bannered by Tyronne Caro, with a competitive mix that includes Yuan Torrente, Liam Harrow, Raven Licayan, Rafael Cablitas, Angelo Alegria, Joaquin Dacyon and Alexander Calingasan.

Also at stake are titles in the girls’ 12-, 14-, 16- and 18-U divisions, along with the 10-and-U unisex category.