Manila: Kathlyn Bugna of La Carlota, Negros Occidental showcased her exceptional skills, clinching three titles at the Bagong Pilipinas Age Group Championships held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Malate, Manila.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 14-year-old talent from Batang Onay/RSB shone brightly, overpowering Francine Wong with a score of 6-0, 6-2 in the U16 finals. She continued her impressive performance by defeating Chiara Bate 6-3, 6-0 in the U18 finals. Bugna also teamed up with Tori Deocampo to secure the U18 doubles crown, overcoming the duo of Jana Bermejo and Khalilah Imalay with an 8-4 victory. This triumph comes after Bugna's previous three-title win at the Bagong Pilipinas leg in Roxas City, Capiz last month.
In the boys' division, Miguel Lagac III from Quezon City showcased his dominance by defeating Nicholas Andal 6-0, 6-1 to claim the U16 category title. He further extended his winning streak by securing the U18 title against Y±igo Naredo with a 6-4, 6-2 victory. Both Bugna and Lagac were honored with MVP titles in this Group 2 tournament, which is sanctioned by Philta and Universal Tennis.
In the U14 category, Tyronne Caro emerged victorious in the boys' division, defeating Jairus Peralta 6-4, 7-6(5), while Francine Wong claimed the girls' crown by beating Michaela Suarez 6-3, 6-3. The U12 finals saw Raven Licayan of Cavite triumph over Noel Andre Zachary Zoleta with scores of 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, and Iloilo's Kate Chavez dominated Ellythia Comia with a 6-1, 6-1 finish.
The doubles matches concluded with victories for Y±igo Naredo and Cristiano Calingasan over Gavin Kraut and Tristan Licayan, 8-6 (boys U18); Jaynelle Castro and Athena Liwag over Teresinha Calingasan and Kate Chavez, 8-3 (girls U14); and Jairus Peralta and Jan Caleb Villeno over Tyrone Caro and Raven Licayan, 8-1 (boys U14).
The Bagong Pilipinas tennis circuit continues to be a crucial platform for talent discovery, offering promising young players like Bugna vital exposure and competitive match experience, as part of the Philippine Sports Commission's grassroots development program.
