Olongapo: Jayden Reece Ballado fought hard in the third set to pull off a 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (2) victory over Jan Cadee Dagoon in the girls U16 final of the Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. National Junior Tennis Championships at the Olongapo Tennis Club over the weekend. Ballado also won the U18 doubles title with Shiloh Cruz, beating Dagoon and Athena Zhia Liwag, 8-5, in the final.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ballado expressed her satisfaction and pride, emphasizing her focus on personal promises and controlling the elements within her reach rather than just winning. Despite trailing 1-5 in the third set, she managed to tie the score at 5-all, inspired by the support of those cheering her on.

Ballado, a Grade 10 student at Mu±oz National High School, shared her internal struggle between giving up and fighting, ultimately choosing to fight to avoid future regrets and trusting in faith. Despite losing to Dagoon in the U18 final earlier, Ballado's resilience shone through. She is set to join the Junior Billie Jean King Cup in Malaysia next month, alongside teammates Jana Jelena Diaz and Erynne Francesca Ong, with former national player Czarina Mae Arevalo accompanying them as their coach.

In the nationwide talent search, Shaner Gabaldon and Jairus Peralta each secured two titles. Gabaldon triumphed in the girls U12 and U14 finals, both with scores of 6-3, 6-1. Peralta outplayed Yuan Torrente, 7-6(4), 6-4, in the boys U12 and claimed the U14 title against Jairo Flores, 2-6, 7-5, 6-4.

Other singles final results included Troan Vytiaco defeating Anthony Cosca in the boys U16, Ariel Cabral winning against Frank Dilao in the boys U18, and Maximus Calingasan overcoming Kirk Gonzaga in the unisex U10 category. In doubles, Frank and France Dilao won the boys U18, Isabel Otaiza and Liwag secured the girls U14, Cosca and Flores claimed the boys U14, and Calingasan and Gonzaga triumphed in the unisex U10 category.