Prizes up for grabs in PIC Tennis tournament

The tennis community is abuzz with the news of a professional tennis tournament on Saipan. On April 20-22 and 27-29, PIC will host the PIC Powerade Tennis Championships.

This event will be the first tennis tournament in several years on Saipan to offer cash prizes for its winners. The tournament will consist of 2 weekends of play; the first weekend being doubles, followed by singles on the second weekend.

The tournament will have three divisions for both men and women: OPEN, B, and MASTERS (40 and over) in both singles and doubles. There will also be an OPEN Mixed Doubles event the first weekend.

The OPEN divisions of singles and doubles are guaranteed cash prizes for the winner and finalists. B and MASTERS Tournament Director Toby G. Evans stated that the prize money for the tournament will vary depending on the number of entries.

Should a large number of players compete in the B and MASTERS divisions, a cash purse may be extended to the winners.

PowerAde has joined PIC as the primary sponsor for this event. Pacific Subsea, Verizon, and Mandara Spa are also on board as official sponsors.

With these sponsors and more, players can look forward to winning an assortment of PIC waterpark passes and room stays, PowerAde products, Pacific Subsea submarine tours, Mandara Spa treatments, Verizon calling cards, hats, and more.

Players will also enjoy the use of PIC’s refreshing waterpark during the days of the tournament.

With the cash purse up for grabs, many resident tennis players are likely to come out of retirement for the event. Some local favorites sure to play are Jeff Race and Tod Montgomery, who recently battled it out in the finals of the latest FILATA tournament.

Saipan can also expect an invasion of Guam tennis talent, as PIC is offering a special rate to all tournament players. The first entry from Guam is PIC-Guam’s standout, Dave Smith.

The heavy favorite in the Master’s Division has to be Jack McClure of Pacific Subsea, but the rest of the draw cannot discount PIC’s own Haruki Nakajima or the faithful FILATA all-stars.

The women’s side looks to be as exciting with several up and coming stars in addition to the seasoned veterans who plan to enter. Age being no indicator, Kana Aikawa, 16, is certainly a favorite to win the Open singles. However, Wendi Herring, PIC General Manager, will use her experience and powerful two-handed groundstrokes to try and upset this young gun.

With these players and more, the PIC POWERADE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS is shaping up to be a real showcase of Saipan tennis talent.

Tournament entry forms can be picked up at the American Memorial Park tennis courts and PIC. For more information, contact Toby G. Evans at PIC or email seamgr@picsaipan.com.