FORMER BIMP-Eaga Friendship Games gold medalist El Santo Santos will form part of the three-member Davao City delegation that leaves Thursday to compete in the Maasin City Mayor's Cup Open Invitational Tennis Tournament.
The tournament was set on Friday to Sunday at the Nacional Mike Orito Mercado Tennis Center in Barangay Combado, Maasin City, Southern Leyte.
Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) regional vice-president Juanito "Titong" Cansino Jr. told Sun.Star Davao on Wednesday that the organizers sent a letter dated July 23 to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte through Cansino, inviting Davao to send its top three male netters to the event organized in celebration of Maasin's 10th charter anniversary.
The Philta regional chief said he recommended John Michael Mesa of GSIS Heights Tennis Club, Santos of Eco 4 and Juan Paolo Cansino, along with Philta director for Seniors Tennis Rene Salita as head of delegation.
"My son, Paolo, however, won't be able to compete since it's their periodical exams. I'm thankful though that the City Mayor's Office funded the team's transportation for the competition," Cansino said.
The tournament is open to players 30 years old and below players.
Aya-ay said cash prizes await the winners where the champion will go home with P10,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up will receive P5,000 and a trophy.
The semifinalists will each pocket P3,000, while the four quarterfinals losers will settle for P2,000 apiece.
Drawing of lots is set at 7:30 a.m. on Friday at the MCLTC clubhouse.