Kuala Lumpur: Padel Pilipinas bets LA Ca±izares and Joanna Tao Yee Tan pulled off a 7-5, 5-7, 6-4 victory over five-time champions Irina Chernaya of Russia and Tim Brown of Australia to capture the mix pro title at the Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT) Open held on April 24-27 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was the first title for the Filipino tandem after a runner-up finish at the APPT Manila Open last February.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tan, ranked No. 2 behind Japanese Kotomi Ozawa in the pro rankings, also bagged the silver medal in the women's category. She and Mariam Yasnmin Garsin lost to Ozawa and Elisabeth Nogueras of Spain, 0-6, 6-7 (2-7). The other Filipino pair of Princess Jean Naquila and Jed Vallie Rayne Aquino only made it to the quarterfinals in the pro women's category.

"It feels amazing to win on this stage. We've been training hard for moments like this, and we're grateful to bring this home for the Philippines," commented Ca±izares, who settled for a quarterfinal finish with Qoqo Allian in the pro men's category.

Padel Pilipinas founder, Senator Pia Cayetano, commended the team's accomplishments. She said, "We are incredibly proud of LA and Tao Yee for bringing home the championship and showcasing the world-class talent of Filipino padel athletes. To Tao Yee and Yam for their impressive finals finish, and to the rest of the team for reaching the quarterfinals -- your dedication and passion continue to inspire. Mabuhay kayo!"

Last year, Tan and Marian Capadocia won the pro women's title at the APPT Grand Slam in Singapore. Padel Pilipinas is recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.