Pasig City: Unseeded Kathlyn Bugna of Negros Occidental emerged victorious with two titles at the MAC's Crankit Foundation National Juniors Tennis Championships, held at Valle Verde Country Club.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bugna, who hails from La Carlota City, secured the U14 crown with a 6-1, 6-3 win over No. 8 Vania Parawan of Cainta, Rizal. On her journey to the final, Bugna overcame top-seed Maristella Torrecampo 6-2, 6-1, and No. 4 Isabel Otaiza 6-0, 6-1. Parawan reached the finals by defeating No. 3 Shaner Gabaldon in the semifinals, 7-6(5), 6-3.
In the U16 category, Bugna continued her impressive performance, defeating No. 7 Justine Casiller, No. 3 Dania Bulanadi, and Otaiza to advance to the final, where she claimed victory over Torrecampo with a score of 6-3, 6-3. Bugna, a member of the Batang Onay Tennis Club, was awarded MVP honors alongside Anthony Castigador, who won the boys U14 title against Alexandre Coyiuto, 6-2, 6-2.
The tournament, presented by Dunlop and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta), also recognized other winners. Rose Mikaela Ngu from Makati City won the girls U18 category, Shaner Gabaldon from Roxas, Isabela claimed the girls U12 title, Ariel Cabaral from Bais City, Negros Oriental secured the boys U18 title, Anirudh Palanisamy from Para±aque City emerged victorious in the boys U16 category, Jan Caleb Villeno from San Pablo City, Laguna won the boys U12 title, and Antonio Angeles from Quezon City triumphed in the unisex U10 category.
Additionally, the event featured an International Tennis Coaches Course seminar conducted by renowned tennis educator Philippe Matta, focusing on coaching strategies, tactical drills, and insights from elite global tennis academies.
