Molina, Gonzales head PPS Naga netfest roster

Kurt Angelo Molina and Jennard Gonzales seek a two- title sweep in the Palawan Pawnshop- Palawan Express Pera Padala Naga City regional age-group tennis tournament which got under way yesterday at the Naga City Tennis Club, including the 16-and-under plum which they are tipped to dispute.

Molina, 16, and the 14-year-old Gonzales gain the top two seeding in the boys’ 16-U side and if they play true to form, the duo could be headed for a title showdown in the Bicol leg of the Group 5 tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger.

Molina, from Camarines Norte, is also the top-ranked bet in the 18-U category while Gonzales, from Legazpi City, also banners the 14-U field in the four-day event hosted by Naga City Mayor John Bongat and backed by Asiatraders Corp., exclusive distributor of Slazenger, the official ball.

But out to foil Molina and Gonzales’ bid in the 16-U section of the tournament serving as part of Naga City’s grassroots development program are Jolo Basa, Jomari Gonzales, Lancelot Guevarra, Patrick Garcia, Michael Cu and Tim Geraldez.

“We invite all the coaches, trainers and Dep-Ed officials to watch the tournament, to guide them in their local sports activities,” said Bongat.

Meanwhile, action in the year-long, nationwide circuit shifts to Mindanao next month, featuring the Tuna Festival on Sept. 2-5 (Juniors) and Sept. 5-10 (Open) in Gen. Santos City. Listup is ongoing. For details, call up Bobby Mangunay, PPS-PEPP regional age group tennis event organizer and sports program development director at 0915-4046464.