Filipina tennis players Tenny Madis, Kaye Ann Emana, and Elizabeth Abarquez. Photos from UAAP Media Bureau and Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News
MANILA – Three Filipina tennis players will be competing in the main draw, while another will be in the qualifiers of the first-ever Philippine Women's Open.
Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) Executive Director Tonette Mendoza told ABS-CBN News that UAAP Most Valuable Player Kaye Ann Emana is the third wildcard entry to the main draw of the WTA 125 tournament.
"We're very, very happy to inform you that we've also upgraded the wild card of Kaye Ann Emana from qualifying to the main draw," she said in an interview on Thursday.
READ: Tenny Madis excited to make WTA 125 debut in PH Women's Open
Emana initially booked a ticket to the qualifying draw after winning the playoffs held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila last week.
The University of Santo Tomas player outlasted her rival Elizabeth Abarquez of National University, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2.
Mendoza said Abarquez will now get a shot at entering the main draw, after they upgraded Emana's wild card slot.
READ: Alex Eala back in the country, confirms participation in PH Women's Open
"The runner-up during the playoffs, Elizabeth Abarquez, is going to be in the qualifying draw. So we've given her the wild card also. Yeah, so there are now four [Filipinas] Alex, Tenny, Kaye and Elizabeth," she said.
The PHILTA official said they reminded all the players who competed in the playoffs to be ready for any development.
WTA No. 49 Alex Eala was given a wildcard to the main draw and has confirmed her participation in the historic tournament, while rising tennis star Tenny Madis likewise got a ticket to the main draw, as one of the top players in the Philippines.
The Philippine Women's Open is set from January 26 to 31 at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Manila.