DEL MONTE, Bulacan — A bigger and better tennis circuit from the regional to national level looms large under the dynamic leadership of the sport’s newest “godfather,” Pareng Hayb Anzures.
“We’re very happy with the turnout of spectators. The support from the tennis community has been overwhelming from Day 1 up to the championship match,” said the 31-year-old entrepreneur, who also serves as president of Gentry Timepieces. “Because of that, we’re going straight back to planning sessions so we can organize a full regional competition leading to a national championship. The Gentry Open will now be an annual event.”
Anzures’ company put up a ₱2 million total purse, making the recently concluded Gentry Open the biggest tennis tournament in the country so far.
He emphasized that the resurgence of Philippine tennis is within reach, thanks to growing private sector support and the dedication to develop young local talents who can follow in the footsteps of Alex Eala.
“We’ve already proven that Filipinos have the skill, talent, and determination to become international champions,” Anzures said. “If we can produce more players like Alex Eala, it will be great for tennis and Philippine sports as a whole.”
One of those rising stars is 18-year-old Tennielle Madis of Cebu College Foundation, who captured the women’s singles crown after a commanding 6-2, 6-0 win over teammate Stefi Marithe Aludo in the finals. The event was presented by GWM – Great Wall Motor Philippines, with 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 supporting Gentry’s vision of promoting excellence, innovation, and national pride through sport.
Madis also teamed up with Aludo to win the women’s doubles title over top seeds Elizabeth Abarquez and Rovie Baulate, 6-1, 6-3.
“It was a tough match. The tournament is a huge opportunity for local players—it really boosted our confidence. I’m so happy to play in such a prestigious event,” said Madis, who took home ₱150,000 and a luxury watch.
In the men’s division, Arthur Craig Pantino of Cebu completed a stunning comeback, rallying from two sets down before PH No. 1 Alberto “AJ” Lim Jr. retired due to exhaustion and a right shoulder injury.
Lim took the first two sets, 6-2, 7-5, and led 4-2 in the third, but Pantino’s precise backhand returns and baseline power turned the tide for a 6-4 set win. With momentum on his side, Pantino surged ahead 3-1 in the fourth before Lim called for medical treatment and later retired, handing the Cebuano the title and ₱300,000 top prize.
“I was lucky to survive the third set,” Pantino said. “Once I got my timing, I told myself to keep pushing. I noticed AJ was struggling a bit, but it was still a tough match. I share this victory with him.”
The tournament was staged in partnership with Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express, and Palawan Pay, the official event and tournament partners.
