THE Philippine Padel Association has launched the country’s first International Padel Federation (FIP) tournament, Rise Manila, that will begin Friday with the main draw at the Manila Padel Club in Bonifacio Global City.
The event has attracted 122 players of 29 nationalities, forming a total of 61 teams, all competing for world ranking points.
Ahead of the main competition, foreign players teaming with Filipino partners have already begun, competing in the Philippine Challenger, a warm-up event preceding the world-ranking tournament.
Representing the Philippines, 30 local players, including Philippine team captain Jessica Agra and US-based Jason Tamayo, aim to earn ranking points that will qualify them for additional FIP tournaments.
Alenna Magpantay, President of the Philippine Padel Association, highlighted the tournament’s role in boosting the skill level of Filipino players.
Last September, Agra and the Philippine women’s team gained international recognition by securing fourth place in the World Padel Asia-Africa Qualifiers.
FIP Rise Manila also marks the third anniversary of the PPA’s home venue, the Manila Padel Club.
The event’s opening ceremony was led by Magpantay, alongside Manila Padel Club founder Fredrik Lonnqvist, and Philippine team members Jessica Agra and Jason Tamayo.
“FIP Rise Manila represents a significant step forward for padel in the Philippines,” said Magpantay. “Our goal is to establish the country as a competitive force in the international padel community, and this event demonstrates our commitment and passion for growing the sport.”
The men’s and women’s categories feature top-ranked international players, with Dutch athletes Sten Richters (ranked 171) and Bram Meijer (ranked 173) leading the men’s draw, and Spaniards Sergi Guimet and Joel Olivera as second seeds.
The women’s category is headed by Dutch player Rosalie Van der Hoek, ranked 108, partnered with Spaniard Carla Fernandez, followed by Britons Aimee Gibson and Victoria Nicholas.
