By Jean Malanum
MANILA – The Philippines will hold Southeast Asia’s first International Padel Federation (FIP) Silver tournament on May 21 to 25 at the Manila Padel Club in Bonifacio Global City.
A total of 128 players from 20 countries, including those in the FIP top 100 rankings, are competing in the men’s and women’s Open categories.
A 15,000-euro prize pool (about PHP1 million) and up to 80 FIP ranking points are at stake in the event organized by Asia Padel Events (APE) in cooperation with Philippine Padel Association (PPA).
Lawyer Jessica Marie Agra, the country’ top player who is No. 173 in the world, will team up with world No. 145 Dilara Torssell of Turkey.
“Hosting Southeast Asia’s first FIP Silver tournament is a defining moment for the sport in the Philippines. We’re honored to welcome the world to Manila and to showcase just how far the sport has come — from one court to the global stage,” PPA president Alenna Dawn Magpantay said on Monday.
APE, in collaboration with FIP, continues to build momentum across the region.
“We are proud to cooperate with FIP and its official member federation in the Philippines to bring a silver-tier event to Manila. This tournament reflects our shared vision to elevate padel in Asia,” Fredrik Lonnqvist of Asia Padel Events said.
Running alongside the professional draw is the Asia Challenger Series, an amateur competition supported by Babolat and the Rafa Nadal Academy.
The Challenger, which is open to players across Asia, provides amateur athletes a competitive platform and the chance to earn ranking points while experiencing the energy of an international event. (PNA)
