Manila: Philippine Tennis Academy players Arriana Reign Maglana and Louraine Jallorina emerged victorious in their respective categories at the Juntaphil Cup held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center over the weekend.
According to Philippines News Agency, Maglana, hailing from Maragusan town in Davao de Oro, clinched the U14 crown by securing a 7-5, 6-2 win against Vania Parawan in the final. Maglana also joined forces with Jallorina to seize the U18 doubles title, defeating the duo of Maria Isabel Ataiza and Avegail Joy Ansay with a score of 6-1, 6-2.
"I am happy and it's very fulfilling to win in singles and doubles," expressed the 13-year-old Maglana. "I really prepared for this, especially since the opponents were also strong. I'm proud that I was able to show my game and uphold the trust of the coach and the team. It was worth all the training, effort, and sacrifice. This is just the start of our real tennis journey. There is more to come, and I will work even harder." Maglana, a Grade 8 student at Seibo College Foundation, Inc., had previously claimed the U14 doubles title with Cyrel Mae Sanchez in the Masters Top 8 tournament last January.
In another display of talent, Jallorina showcased her formidable skills in the U16 singles final, overpowering Chiara Mae Bate with a 6-2, 6-1 victory. "I'm very thankful for the results of my matches in both singles and doubles," said the 14-year-old from Iloilo City. "I really prepared for this tournament, so it feels amazing to see all the hard work and sacrifices paid off." Jallorina, a Grade 9 student at De La Salle Santiago Zobel in Alabang, also celebrated a bronze medal in mixed doubles at the 2023 Batang Pinoy National Championships in Manila.
Praising their accomplishments, PTA head coach Bobie Angelo, a former Davis Cup player and SEA Games medalist, noted the potential of Maglana and Jallorina. "These young girls really train hard and the results at Juntaphil Cup showed they have the potential to become better players. They are hardworking and I can see their hungry spirit," Angelo remarked.
The PTA, under the guidance of sports patron Romy Chan, has produced notable players like 2023 Metro Manila Open champion Arthur Craig Pantino and 2017 PCA Open champion John Bryan Otico. Other winners at the Juntaphil Cup included Jan Caleb Villeno (boys U12), Marcus Lorenzo (boys U14), Anirudh Palanisamy (boys U16), Al-Zayeed Baid (boys U18), Evan Bacalso (boys U21), Ella Mae Paglaluan (girls U12), and Marielle Alexi Jarata (girls U18).
