Chemistry will be the Parañaque Titans’ biggest weapon when they make their debut in the inaugural season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT) starting 3 October in Angeles City in Pampanga.

Titans co-founder Tina Mariano believes that the players’ familiarity with each other gives them an early advantage in this 12-team tournament, where some of the country’s best picklers will be seeing action.

National team players Leander Lazaro and Ruben Gonzales will be at the helm together with Sarah Lim, Nik Isagan, Fatima Amirul, Jessica Agra, CJ Luna, Matt Navarro, Danica Bautista and Mikhyla Cruz.

“First of all, they’re all friends. They all competed against each other or with each other as partners in the past so they know one another,” Mariano said.

“I think that alone makes it a great team. I think they have a great shot.”

Parañaque is tipped to be one of the teams to beat in a rock-solid field that also features Abra, Bangued, Muntinlupa, Alfonso, Tacloban, Batangas, Rizal, Bacoor, Camarines Norte and General Santos City.

The league will feature five legs with the winner of each leg taking home a mouthwatering P1 million in cash prize. After five legs, the top eight teams will advance to the national finals scheduled on 28 and 29 November.

Gonzales, who represented the Philippines at the Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam last August, said having a professional league will help raise the level of competition while giving the sport another platform to grow.

“I’ve always loved team events so I’m really looking forward to competing with the best players in the Philippines and growing the sport here,” Gonzales told DAILY TRIBUNE.

“Me and Leander have been playing together for a year. I think we’re one of the best teams here and I think we’re going to be tough to beat.” IVAN SUING