Gentry Open tennis tilt poised for bigger iterations

Tennielle Madis of Cebu College Foundation dominated teammate Stefi Marithe Aludo, 6-2, 6-0, to claim the women’s singles crown.

Gentry Open

DEL MONTE, Bulacan — Expect a bigger and better tennis competition from the regional to national level under the leadership of sports’ newest backer, Pareng Hayb Anzures.

“We’re very happy with the turnout of spectators. The support from the tennis community has been overwhelming from Day 1 through the championship match,” said Anzures, president of Gentry Timepieces, which offered a P2-million total purse, making the just-concluded Gentry Open the biggest tennis event in the country to date.

“That’s why we’re going back to planning sessions immediately so we can organize a program for regional and national-level competitions. The Gentry Open will now be held yearly,” he added.

Anzures said private individuals and companies have shown strong support in helping uplift local tennis and develop young players who could follow in the footsteps of Alex Eala.

“We’ve already proven that Filipinos have the skill, talent, and determination to become international champions. The more Alex Ealas we can produce, the better it will be for tennis and Philippine sports in general,” he said.

One of those young standouts is 18-year-old Tennielle Madis of Cebu College Foundation, who dominated teammate Stefi Marithe Aludo, 6-2, 6-0, to claim the women’s singles crown on Sunday in the tournament presented by GWM – Great Wall Motor Philippines.

Madis also teamed up with Aludo to capture the women’s doubles title, beating top seeds Elizabeth Abarquez and Rovie Baulate, 6-1, 6-3. She received P150,000 and a luxury watch for her twin victories.

“It was a tough match. The tournament is a big opportunity for local players — it really boosted our confidence,” said Madis.

In the men’s finals, Arthur Craig Pantino rallied from two sets down to force Philippine No. 1 player Alberto “AJ” Lim Jr. to retire due to exhaustion and right shoulder pain.

Lim took the first two sets, 6-2, 7-5, and was ahead 4-2 in the third before Pantino turned the tide with solid baseline play, taking the set, 6-4. The Cebuano was leading 3-1 in the fourth when Lim retired, giving Pantino the championship and P300,000 top prize.

“I was lucky to survive the third set,” said Pantino. “Once I got my timing, I told myself to keep going. It was a tough match, and I share this victory with AJ.”

The tournament also drew strong support from platinum sponsors Hiess?nce, Purse Maison, Mobile Cart, Primoshine, Sole Avenue, Dear Face, PDAX, Darling’s Fine Jewels, Luxetrust by Amethyst, The Watch Reserve and Guapo Car Care Solutions.

The event was held with Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express, and Palawan Pay as official event and tournament partners.