Philippine’s No. 9 lady netter joins Sara invitational

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

THE Philippines' ninth-ranked lady netter Marinel Rudas confirmed to join the Selecta-Merco 2nd Mayor Inday Sara National Men's and Women's Invitational Tennis Championships slated March 15 to 18 at the Woodridge Park tennis courts in Maa.

Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) regional vice president Juanito "Titong" Cansino, Jr., who is also tournament director of the event, bared this to Sun.Star Davao.

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The 17-year-old player from Manila was a semi-finalist in the Singapore ITF Tournament in 2010. On the same year, she was quarter-finalist in the TF Tour in Indonesia, ITF Tournament in Thailand and in the Phinma ITF Tournament.

Her 2009 record includes runner-up finishes in the ITF Juniors in Sri Lanka and another ITF Tournament in Malacca. She also was a semis performer in the Brunei ITF Tournament.

Cansino said Rudas is a sponsored player and member of the Head Team Elite along with Jason Patrombon. Both netters are supported by former Congressman Romeo Jalosjos.

Tournament chair Anton Ferrazzini said Rudas's entry is a welcome development for the event that stakes over P200,000 cash prize for the winners in men's singles, women's singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles.

"It's all systems go for the tournament. We are just awaiting confirmation from other top-rated players we have invited," Ferrazzini said.

Johnny Arcilla, Vicente Alberto Anasta, Ralph Kevin Barte and Patrick John Tierro confirmed their participation earlier.

The tournament is jointly presented by For the Love of Tennis (Flot), Merco and Selecta and co-presented by Asia Traders Corporation, distributor of Slazenger balls and HEAD equipment.

Grand sponsors Alejandro Bucu, Samuel Afdal of Philsaga Mining Corporation and SBF Drilling Resources Corporation, Jaap Vander Sluis of Ralph's Wines and Spirits are backing up the competition along with premium sponsors Robert Te of Holcim Philippines and Hadji Hasim Faisal of Alraf Construction & Enterprises.

Major sponsors are Art Milan of Davao Light and Power Co., Alvin Uy of HG Group of Companies, Willie de Leon of Stronghold Insurance Co., Congressman Antonio Lagdameo, Grace Mercado, Mike Demetria, Brain Walker and Totoy Paglas of Paglas Corporation while Jack Sandique and Bai Farida Pendatun are minor sponsors.