The Philippine Padel Association (PPA) has announced it will send 12 athletes to represent the Philippines at the FIP World Padel Championships Qualifiers of Asia and Africa.
The event will unfold from September 22 to 27, 2024, in Kuwait. This will be the first time a team organized by the International Padel Federation (FIP) will represent the country.
The team will be led by Jessica Marie Agra, the top player in the Asia Pacific Padel Tour. The team includes Anna Christine Patrimonio, Jessica Lucas, Alessa Marie Belbes, Rovy Conle Castillo, Michelle Rose Dickson, Fil-Norwegian Ryan Cater (skipper), John Michael Tamayo (playing coach), Jaybee Buenaventura, Alexander Borela Jr., Arnel Burden, and Fil-British Timothy Peter Berry.
Lucas, Castillo, Belbes, Buenaventura, Borela, and Burden are based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, while Dickson lives in Florida, USA.
The team is currently practicing at the Manila Padel Club with coaches Martin Noschese and John Michael Tamayo. John Michael Tamayo is the first Filipino padel coach to be internationally certified. The training is supported by MartinX Academy. The delegation will depart on September 19, 2024.
“While the competition is tough, our athletes are ready to give their best, and we are optimistic about bringing home pride for the Philippines,” shared PPA President Alenna Dawn Magpantay.
The FIP World Padel Championships are set in Doha, Qatar, from October 28 to November 2. Additionally, Qatar will host its inaugural FIP tournament in Manila from November 11-17, 2024.
Originating in Mexico, Padel is a fast-paced racket sport played on a smaller enclosed court with glass walls and metallic mesh, using solid paddles. It combines elements of tennis, squash, and badminton, and is typically played in doubles.
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