Baisa targets PPS repeat

Fresh from a stunning two-title feat in Iloilo last week, Vince Baisa eyes the boys -16 and -18-under titles when he campaigns in the PPS-PEPP Gov. F. Castro national juniors tennis championships which got off the ground yesterday at the Villareal Stadium courts in Roxas City.

Baisa, who came into the Dinagyang Festival netfest as an unranked entry, will now play as the No. 2 seed behind Vince Serna in the premier side of this week’s group 2 tournament serving as the third leg of a season-long junior circuit.

The Puerto Princesa City, Palawan find is also ranked No. 3 in 16-U play top-billed by Reign Maravilla and Ian Ituriaga with Gabrio Serillo and Rafael Santiago leading the boys’ 14-U cast in the week-long tournament.

Serillo, one of the winners in the circuit’s kickoff tournament, the Masters Top 8 in Negros Occidental two weeks ago, headlines the 12-U field that includes Bjorn Castigador, Francisco de Juan and Prince Crisosto, while Andre Mejia, Naeem Serillo, Crisosto and De Juan are tipped to dispute the 10-U trophy.

Meanwhile, the host city will resume its free training/clinic sessions — which is open to all — including beginners, in its commitment to help develop the sport and keep the youngsters busy and away from gadgets, according to tournament organizer Bobby Mangunay.

Action in the girls’ side is also expected to be fierce with Abigail Aguirre, Jana Diaz, Princess Tana and Aleeva Suave all primed for the 18-U battle.

Diaz, Suace and Tana, along with Louraine Jallorina, also loom as the players to watch in the 16-U division.