Alcantara, RP’s newest sports hero, offered US scholarships

03Feb09

The future looks bright for Francis Casey Alcantara after becoming the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam title – in the doubles of the Australian Open Junior Championships in Melbourne.

The country’s top junior player said yesterday he’s being offered college scholarships in the United States to support both his studies and a budding tennis career.

“May mga offers sa Pepperdine, University of Texas A&M for tennis scholarships pero pinag-iisipan ko pa,” Alcantara said after paying a courtesy call to Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping yesterday.

Alcantara etched his name in history books when he and his Taiwanese partner Hsieh Cheng-peng snared the boys’ doubles crown against Russia’s Mikhail Biryukov and Japan’s Yasukata Uchiyama, 6-4, 6-2.

The feat not only made up for his opening-round singles loss but also served as an early birthday present as he will be turning 17 tomorrow.

Alcantara said he would first concentrate on finishing his studies in Xavier University in his hometown Cagayan de Oro before deciding on his future.

Jun Toledo, Alcantara’s coach of three years, added there is a chance for the young netter to play in the United States National Collegiate Athletic Association should he pursue his studies abroad.

“He’s a very talented kid and he deserves it,” Toledo said.

Alcantara also hopes to compete in more Grand Slam events this year to help him achieve his dream of making into the top 10 of the junior world rankings.

“Sana magtuluy-tuloy na at makasali pa ako sa lahat ng mga Grand Slam tournaments. Masayang-masaya ako sa nagiging takbo ng mga laro ko ngayon,” Alcantara said.

Toledo, meanwhile, said they plan to send Alcantara in Grade 1 tournaments starting March before in the other Grand Slams events – French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.

Alcantara arrived from Australia Sunday night, carrying the wonderful experience of playing in a top-ranked tournament.

“Sobrang saya ko dahil maganda ang kinilabasan ng matagal kong pagpa-practice. Mas lalo akong ginanahang mag-training sa mga susunod pang tournaments,” said Alcantara.

Alcantara, who flies back to Cagayan de Oro today, thanked the Filipino community in Australia for giving the support he needed.