STA introduces innovations for Taga Tennis

Saipan Tennis Association is betting that its tweaking of the schedule and introduction of the men’s doubles over-100 category would make the 3rd Annual Taga Tennis Tournament a more exciting event.

STA vice president-internal Nelia Luna said the organization created the over-100 age group to encourage older players to partner and play the sport in a tournament setting.

Luna, meanwhile, said STA decided to hold the singles and mixed doubles ahead of the doubles division so more players would be able to join the tournament.

She said they have observed n the past that when doubles begin in the first week followed by singles and mixed doubles, a notably smaller number of players enlist for the second week of competition.

Pacific Trading Co. comes back as sponsor for the third installment of Taga Tennis, which returns next month at the American Memorial Park tennis courts.

The tournament kicks off with singles and mixed doubles from Dec. 1 to Dec. 8 with doubles play following the next week from Dec. 9 to 16.

A total of 64 champion and runner-up trophies would be up for grabs in 20 divisions—men’s doubles open, men’s doubles 4.5, men’s doubles 4.0, men’s doubles 3.0, men’s doubles 2.0, women’s doubles open, women’s 4.0, women’s 3.0, mixed doubles open, mixed doubles 3.0, men’s singles open, men’s singles 4.5, men’s singles 4.0, men’s singles 3.0, men’s singles 2.0, women’s singles open, women’s singles 4.0, women’s singles 3.0, and the aforementioned men’s doubles over-100.

STA members only need to pay $10 per entry, while non-members have to shell out $15. Draw dates for singles and mixed doubles competition would be set for the weekend, while those for the doubles event would take place on Dec. 3. Both draws would be held at the AMP tennis clubhouse at 6pm.

For more information about the 3rd Annual Taga Tennis Tournament, call STA president Roy Pangelinan at 256-7769, vice president-internal Nelia Luna at 288-5151 or 288-0859, vice president-external Ricky Castro at 285-7344, or officers Agnes Salazar at 286-8472, Vangie Espanola at 285-1468, Richard Asuncion at 287-0856, Edwin Maratas at 287-0870, Noel Manalang at 287-4415, or Peter Loyola at 483-3424. Those interested can also send email to STA at saipan_tennis@yahoo.com.