Top netters clash as Escudero Cup unwraps

JOHNNY Arcilla and Jose Maria Pague headline a stellar roster making up the Escudero Cup National Tennis Championship cast, both girding for fierce battle in their respective draws in pursuit of the singles Open crown at the Aera Tennis Club in San Pablo City, Laguna.

The top two ranked bets actually drew opening round byes today (Monday) but 14 other matches are on tap, ushering in the return of the Don Arsenio Escudero Sr. Cup after a long absence on the PPS-PEPP calendar.

Third seed Charles Kinaadman faces Jay Papa, No. 4 Vicente Anasta clashes with Riku Komiya, fifth-ranked Jed Olivarez tangles with Mateo Rivas, No. 6 John Mari Altiche collides with Arthur Arrogancia, seventh seed John Tomacruz mixes it up with Jeson Blando, and No. 8 Alexis Acabo tests Stephen Catipon’s mettle in the featured matches in the 32-player draw of the event organized by Aera Tennis Club, headed by president Raul de Vera and held in partnership with PPS-PEPP,

TEAM Philippines is looking to make history as it guns for its maiden victory in the 43rd Queen Sirikit Cup, or the Amateur Ladies-Asia Pacific Invitational Golf Team Championship, which unfolds on Tuesday at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club (Masters) in Carmona, Cavite.

Leading the way for the host squad are Lois Kaye Go, Mafy Singson and Rianne Malixi, who will face a daunting task against a formidable field from China, Korea, Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and defending champion Japan.

Japan is the heavy favorite to repeat as Mizuki Hashimoto and Miku Ueta, holdovers from last year’s winning squad, are confirmed to play alongside new recruit Yuna Araki. Thailand might spring a surprise too with its two leading amateurs Thitikarn Thapsit and Achiraya Sriwong in the roster. The road to success, though, would not be easy for everyone as they will play the Masters, the signature layout designed by golf great Jack Nicklaus, which has been proven to challenge even the best amateurs and professionals alike in the past.

led by president/CEO Bobby Castro, and the Escudero family.

But focus will be on the 10-time PCA Open champion and Davis Cup veteran Arcilla, who has stayed in top form through the years, winning five Open titles in the Palawan Pawnshopsponsored circuit last year, including the seasonending Naga Open in Cebu last December.

But a slew of young guns are out to stop his run, led by Ipil, Zamboanga’s Pague, Kinaadman from Lapu-Lapu, Cebu, and Army’s Anasta, among others, guaranteeing a week-long battle of power and style in the Group A tournament backed by Rep. Loreto Amante, Converge, Mitsubishi Motors, Dunlop and Slazenger, which also serves as part of the UTP (United Tennis Philippines) and UTR (Universal Tennis Ranking).

Meanwhile, the juniors take center stage from Feb. 23-28, according to tournament

“It’s great. I’m truly blessed and grateful to the NBA for giving me this opportunity,” McClung said. “I don’t get surprised by things like this but I’m very appreciative.”

The 6-foot-2 (1.88m) guard from rural Virginia had played only four NBA games but from his high school days was known for acrobatic dunks and after accepting the trophy from Julius Erving vowed to defend his crown, something few NBA stars do.

“If you’ll have me I’ll be back,” McClung said.

McClung added his name to a history of dunk champions that includes Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Vince Carter and Kobe Bryant.

Among past 3-point champions were Larry Bird, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

“The best shooters in the history of our game, most of them have one of these,” Lillard said of the 3-point trophy. “To be in this competition a few times and not have one, I just wanted to get it done at least one time.

“I’m happy I got it. Now I can retire from it.”

Tyrese Haliburton and 2020 3-point contest winner Buddy Hield, both of the Indiana Pacers, joined Lillard in qualifying for the final. It was Lillard who shot last and eliminated Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Utah’s Lauri Markkanen. AFP