Kidapawan City holds Philippine Tennis Open Tournament

Kidapawan City hosts first Philippine tennis tourney. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Geo Solmerano)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 23, 2009) - For the first time, Kidapawan City in Mindanao island, was chosen to be the venue of the Philippine Tennis Open.
"The preparation was short, but the result was great" said Dr. Edwin Gantuangco, President of the Kidapawan City Tennis Club, who led the team in making this event a success.

This year's theme "Play tennis and add joy and years to your life," simply wants to encourage everyone especially the youth to be active in sports, like tennis.

“This is also a venue to show that peace and order in Mindanao is and will never be a hindrance to host such sporting events,” Gantuangco told the Mindanao Examiner.

The competition was tough, as dozens of tennis players from all around the country joined the event. "There were almost 100 players who wanted to join, but due to the bad weather, only 60 made it here, Gantuangco said.

Manila’s Elbert Anasta was named champion after he defeated Rocky Paglalunan in the singles category. Doing the same offense as his opponent was Anasta's secret to victory, he said.
On the other hand, Paglalunan did not stop until his name was not put on the winners list.

After being paired with Ronard Jovan, the 2nd placer in singles events, made it to the championship in doubles category. “This simply implies that Filipinos never say die,” Gantuangco said.

“All players did not come here to just play, but to prove themselves as they make their names shine even more in their chosen sport,” he added. (Giovani Solmerano and Mary Nina Rodriguez)

Sulu Guv Tourney Successful

SULU, Philippines (Midnanao Examiner / Jan. 19, 2009) - The 2nd Gov. Sakur Tan tennis tourney was a resounding success and the sports program of the Sulu provincial government is gaining more supports from different groups here.

The tennis cup, which was recently held, attracted many sports enthusiasts from around Sulu and the governor himself, Sakur Tan, a known sportsman, led an exhibition game.

The tournament was held at the Jun D' Lan Tennis Club of Chinese Pier. Tennis is one of the most popular sports in Sulu. Tan regularly plays tennis with local government officials and members of sports clubs here.

The Jun D' Lan Tennis Club has invited interested tennis clubs from Zamboanga City, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi provinces to participate and make the tournament a regional event.

“There is no better way for a healthy mind and lifestyle, but sports. Play tennis regularly and your body and mind stay healthy. Our sports program is very good and we have a lot of youths joining our efforts to promote sports development in Sulu,” Tan said.

He said his sports program has been an effective tool to lure the youths and those who are out of school away from illegal drugs. “Sports is the best way to fight illegal drugs,” Tan said.

He said aside from tennis, swimming, basketball and badminton are also among the sports widely played in Sulu. Tan also constructed an Olympic size swimming pool at the Sulu Sports Complex, which he also completed. (Jung Franciso)