Pareng Hayb hits a drop shot during an exhibition match.
Expect a bigger and better tennis competition from the regional to the national level under the dynamic leadership of the sport’s newest “Godfather,” Pareng Hayb Anzures.
“We’re very, very happy with the turnout of spectators. The support from the tennis community was overwhelming from Day 1 through the championship match. The crowd was so excited for every game,” said the 31-year-old entrepreneur, who also serves as president of Gentry Timepieces — the main sponsor of the just concluded Gentry Open Tennis Championships at the world-class Colegio San Agustin Tennis Center here.
“That’s why we’re going back to the planning session immediately so we can draw up a program for regional competitions leading to a national-level championship. Gagawin nating yearly ang Gentry Open,” Anzures added.
Backed by a total purse of ₱2 million, the Gentry Open has become the biggest local tennis event in the country so far.
Anzures believes revitalizing Philippine tennis is possible through strong private sector involvement, as companies and individuals continue to show commitment to nurturing young players who could follow in the footsteps of world-ranked Filipina Alex Eala.
Anzures cited the rise of Tennielle Madis, an 18-year-old Grade 12 student from Cebu City’s College Foundation, as another promising talent.
“If we give Tennielle enough support to boost her international ranking, she can soon join Alex (Eala) in WTA competitions,” he said.
Madis captured the women’s singles title after dominating PTA teammate Stefi Marithe Aludo, 6-2, 6-0, in the tournament presented by GWM–Great Wall Motor Philippines. She also teamed up with Aludo to win the women’s doubles crown, beating top seeds Elizabeth Abarquez and Rovie Baulate, 6-1, 6-3.
Adding prestige to the tournament were its Platinum Sponsors — Hiessēnce, 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 — all sharing Gentry’s vision of fostering excellence, innovation, and national pride through sport.
In the men’s final, Arthur Craig Pantino rallied from two sets down to outlast national teammate and No. 1 seed Alberto “AJ” Lim Jr., who retired due to exhaustion and shoulder pain.