Toyota Tennis Tournament marks second year

Enthused by the number of entries it received last year and the kind of exposure its lineup of automobiles received, Microl-Toyota is again bankrolling the Saipan Tennis Association’s first tennis tournament of the season.

The 2nd Annual Toyota Tennis Tournament revs up beginning April 13, Wednesday, with doubles play at the American Memorial Park tennis courts.

A total of eight divisions would be up for grabs in the doubles—five men and three women divisions.

Categories offered in the men’s group are the highly competitive men’s open, 4.5, 4,0, 3.0, and 2.0. Division for the women include open 4.0, 3.0, and 2.0. The doubles event will play through April 21.

Singles and mixed doubles kicks off on April 22 and will last until the end of the month, April 30. Categories in the singles are men’s and women’s open, men’s 4.5, men’s and women’s 4.0, men’s and women’s 3.0, and men’s 2.0, while mixed doubles would entertain players in the open, 4.0 and 3.0 levels.

Microl service and body shop manager Abner Venus said he is thrilled that his company, along with Aon Insurance, is again partnering with STA to put together the event for Saipan’s growing tennis community.

“Sponsoring this event for a second time was an easy choice because we were very happy about last year’s turnout. I believe we have close to 200 entries last year,” he said.

Venus, who is not a bad tennis player himself, said he is looking forward to seeing 18 days of exciting and competitive tennis featuring some of the island’s top netters.

“I think maybe this year we could expect more entries. This is something that we are committed to do and as along as STA still wants us as to sponsor this event, we will gladly oblige them,” he said.

Vice president Ricky Castro said they also expect South Pacific Mini Games hopefuls, as well as FILATA and NMITA members to join the tournament. He said a sizeable contingent from the Tinian Tennis Association would also brave the crossing and participate.

Entry deadline for players interested in joining the doubles competition is today, April 5. Entry fee is $10 for STA members and $15 for non-members. The deadline for singles and mixed doubles events would be announced on a later date.

For more information about the 2nd Annual Toyota Tennis Tournaments, contact STA president Roy Pangelinan at 256-7769, vice president-internal Nelia Luna at 288-5151, vice president-external Ricky Castro at 234-5091, secretary Agnes Salazar at 286-8472, public relations officer Edwin Maratas at 287-0870, auditor Lito Santos at 286-4340, and board members Peter Loyola at 483-3424 and Richard Asuncion at 287-0856. Those interested can also email at saipan_tennis@yahoo.com.