Sarip seeks back-to-back Palawan win

Muhammad Keyan Sarip rides the momentum of a twin-podium finish in Dipolog as he leads a talent-laden field in the Governor’s Cup Juniors Age Group Tennis Championships, which unfolds on Thursday at the Dao courts in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

The top-seeded Marawi City standout is coming off a strong showing in the Palawan Pawnshop series, capturing the boys’ 16U crown and finishing runner-up in the 18U division in Dipolog last Sunday. He now sets his sights on the premier 18U title, with a chance to avenge his recent loss to unranked Sky Bacongga.

Bacongga, ranked No. 6, stunned Sarip, 6-4, 6-4, in Dipolog, putting the rising Siquijor star in the spotlight as he seeks to prove that victory was no fluke. But a deep field of emerging talents stands in the way of a possible title rematch between the two in the Group 2 tournament held in honor of Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Divina Grace Yu and Vice Gov. Roy Ariosa.

Among the leading contenders in the 18U class are Crislance Iglupas, Christian Dalida, Kim Tatad, Hazer Malicay, Rossil Feraro and Kevin Gallenero. Sarip, meanwhile, could face a stern challenge from Prince Centino in the 16U division, where Krisnel Batilo, Angelo Naraga, Tatad, Gallenero, Feraro and Bacongga are also in the hunt.