Imus all set to host third leg of MPPT

MANILA — The Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tournament (MPPT) is all set for its third leg this weekend, with MelMac Sports at Vista Mall Imus opening its doors as the venue. 

“The excitement is building as we bring the MPPT Invitational Leg 3 to Melmac Sports in Imus. We’re looking forward to two days of intense competition and great sportsmanship as players come together to showcase their skills and passion for the game,” said MPPT commissioner Mark Espinosa.

The tournament will feature 12 teams divided into two groups, with two-leg champion Parañaque Titans leading the standings with 193 points.

This marks the first time that MelMac Sports will host the pickleball tournament, an opportunity that owner Mel Macasaquit welcomes after having worked with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) during the 2019 Lakan Season and its historic bubble tournament in 2021.

“Any tournament of Sec. Manny Pacquiao is always welcome here at MelMac Sports. We have a long history of working together, dating back to 2019, and we are happy to once again be part of an event that brings communities together through sports,” said Macasaquit.

“It’s great to see MPPT doing such a wonderful job organizing tournaments and promoting pickleball. We’re grateful to have been chosen as their venue for Leg 3.”

MelMac Sports previously mounted the 2021 MPBL Invitational Bubble Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

This weekend, it will prepare three courts for the MPPT. The venue will convert its 5-on-5 basketball court into additional pickleball courts to accommodate the tournament and ensure that the competition proceeds according to schedule.

“For us, it’s about making sure everyone enjoys the experience, not just the players. Our venue will be open to spectators, with Planet Melmac open to serving food for everyone,” said Macasaquit.

“Fans can relax, enjoy good food, and comfortably watch the games from the stands. We want everyone to feel welcome and be part of the excitement,” he added.

Parañaque headlines Group B alongside the Rizal Ilustrados (third, 116 points), Pampanga Chiefs (10th, 48 points), Alfonso Siklab (sixth, 95 points), Camarines Norte Golden Hawks (12th, 48 points), and GenSan Punchers (fifth, 100 points).

Group A, meanwhile, will feature the Tacloban Aces (fourth, 107 points), Bangued Miki (eighth, 64 points), Bacoor Strikers (ninth, 48 points), Abra River Paddlers (second, 131 points), Muntinlupa Smashers (11th, 40 points), and Batangas Bangers (seventh, 68 points).

Competition begins on Saturday, with the morning session scheduled for 8 a.m. before the afternoon games get underway at 1 p.m.

The tournament, which has Vagisil, JOOLA, and Xtreme serving as partners, will culminate with the knockout playoffs on Sunday.