Manila: Top seed Jana Jelena Diaz of General Trias City, Cavite, successfully defended her title by defeating No. 2 seed Dhea Angelica Cua of Cotabato City, 6-1, 6-4, in the girls' singles final at the Batang Pinoy National Championships held at General Santos Tennis Club shell court.
According to Philippines News Agency, Diaz, a Grade 11 student from De La Salle Zobel, reached the gold medal round by defeating No. 4 seed Sabine Dasha See of Pasig City, 8-2. Cua advanced to the final after a narrow victory over No. 3 seed Jayden Reece Ballado of Olongapo City, 8-7 (5). Diaz expressed her satisfaction with the win, emphasizing her preparation and looking forward to the next Batang Pinoy in Bacolod City.
The 16-year-old's previous achievements include winning the team gold and mixed doubles bronze with Al Tristan Licayan in Puerto Princesa City last year, as well as clinching the mixed doubles gold with Licayan in the 2023 Manila edition. Diaz also won the U18 singles title at the Philippine Columbian Association Open Juniors last month and was the doubles runner-up with Chloe Marie Mercado.
Diaz represented the Philippines at the Billie Jean King Cup pre-qualifying in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in March and secured the singles title at the U16 Asian Tennis Federation tournament in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, in May.
In the boys' singles final, fifth seed Stephen Fuertes of Digos City, Davao del Sur, triumphed over No. 9 seed Al Tristan Licayan in a closely contested match, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3). Fuertes' path to victory included defeating No. 1 seed Juvels Velos of Cebu City and No. 3 seed France Vhiele Dilao of Santa Rosa City, Laguna.
The current medal tally sees defending champion Pasig City in the lead with 38 golds, 25 silvers, and 29 bronzes. Manila follows with 36 golds, 31 silvers, and 25 bronzes, while Baguio City holds third place with 29 golds, 21 silvers, and 24 bronzes.
The tournament, organized by the Philippine Sports Commission and chaired by John Patrick Gregorio, concluded with a closing ceremony on Thursday. City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao handed over the hosting duties to a representative of Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya. A PHP15-million prize pool was announced, with PHP5 million awarded to the overall champion.
