THE Mayor James Gamo National Invitational Tennis Championship 2017, opening in Panabo City on October 19, got a big boost after the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) poured in support to the annual event.
Tournament chairman Anton Ferrazzini, president of Mercantile Corporation (Merco), bared this in a phone interview with SunStar Davao on Friday.
He said, "We are thankful to (PSC) Chairman (William) Butch Ramirez for supporting the tournament. He will grace the awarding ceremonies on the October 22."
The netfest, he said, aims to allow locals witness top-notch tennis action and to inspire young players in the region by watching their idols play.
A free tennis clinic, to be handled by tournament director and certified International Tennis Federation (ITF) coach Boy Diong, will be held on the side for the eight to 16 years old.
A total cash prize of P150,000 will be awarded to the winners in the tournament presented by Merco and Selecta and supported by engineer Glenn Olandria, Bioxtend, Stronghold Insurance, Swiss Deli, Mamma Marias by Paul Abao, Rocky's Barbershop by Timtom Gempesaw, Asiatraders, Slazenger and Dunlop.
The men's single champion will take home P30,000 while the runner-up will pocket P20,000. Both finalists will also receive trophies while the losing semifinalists will claim P10,000 apiece and the quarterfinalists will settle for P5,000 each.
In men's doubles, cash prizes of P20,000 and P10,000 will be handed to the first two placers while semis losers will get P5,000 and P3,000 awaits the quarterfinal losers.
Top-ranked Patrick John Tierro and tournament defending champion Butuan City native Johnny Arcilla have been invited to compete anew with Leander Lazaro, Mark Anthony Alcoseba of Davao City, John Mari Altiche, Noel Mariano Damian, Jr., Elbert Vicente Anasta and Fritz Chris Verdad.