Manila: Wild cards Tennielle Madis and Stefi Marithe Aludo were crowned Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) women's doubles champions after beating Elsie Abarquez and Rovie Baulate, 6-3, 6-3, at the PCA indoor shell court in Paco, Manila on Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, it was the first Open title for Madis and Aludo, both members of the Philippine Tennis Academy (PTA), founded by long-time sports patron Romy Chan. "We are so happy because our girls are fighting until the end, hoping Tenny (Madis) will also, in the singles," PTA head coach Bobie Angelo said in a statement. "You just have to always fight no matter what the outcome, that's what I tell my players."
Aludo and Madis have had an impressive track record, having swept the two-leg J60 PHINMA-ITF Championships at the Manila Polo Club in July. They also claimed J60 titles in Manila, China, Thailand, and Sri Lanka last year.
Meanwhile, Madis seeks her first PCA Open singles title against top seed Kaye Ann Emana on Sunday. The country's No. 1 junior defeated Justine Hannah Maneja, 6-2, 6-1 on her way to the finals, while Emana, a University of Santo Tomas standout and UAAP Season 87 MVP, overcame Tiffany Nocos, 6-1, 3-6, 7-5.
Madis, who skipped last year's edition, previously lost to Marian Capadocia, 0-6, 1-6, in the finals two years ago. Also scheduled on Sunday is the men's singles finals between top seed and defending champion Alberto Lim Jr. and second seed Jed Olivarez.
