By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Kathlyn Bugna and Jan Cadee Dagoon shared the spotlight in two age-group singles finals in the Olongapo Tennis Club National Junior Championships at the OTC courts in Olongapo City even as Athena Liwag also made her mark with a victory and a runner-up finish.
The fourth-ranked Bugna reaffirmed her status as a rising star in the tennis scene, overcoming top-seeded local ace Dagoon in a thrilling semifinal duel, 6-4, 7-5.
She then dominated No. 2 Dania Bulanadi, clinching the girls’ 18-and-under crown with a decisive 6-4, 6-1 victory in the Group 2 tournament.
In a surprising twist, Dagoon had earlier triumphed over La Carlota – Batang Onay’s Bugna in the 16-and-U finals, winning a nail-biting match, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.
This reversal of fortunes underscored the competitive nature of the tournament, reflecting a level playing field where any player could rise to the occasion.
Liwag, also hailing from the host city, showcased her skills by dismantling Abby Castigador, 6-1, 6-0, to secure the girls’ 12-and-U title.
However, she faced a setback in the 14-and-U championships, where she fell to fellow Olongapo native Ayl Gonzaga, 3-6, 1-6, illustrating the tournament’s unpredictable nature as emerging talents continuously challenge the established players.
In the boys’ division, Cabanatuan’s Lexious Cruz emerged as a standout performer, routing No. 4 Karl Almiron, 6-2, 6-0, to claim the 18-and-U trophy.
Cruz further solidified his dominance by defeating Troan Vytiaco, 6-1, 6-2, in the 16-and-U finals, making him the only “double” winner in the week-long tournament.
Fourth seed Jairus Peralta from Pangasinan pulled off an impressive upset by defeating top seed Anthony Cosca, 7-5, 2-6, 6-0, to claim the 14-and-U title.
However, local bet Yuan Torrente thwarted Peralta’s bid for a second title, securing a 6-3, 6-4 victory in the 12-and-U finals, further emphasizing the tournament’s unpredictability.
Top-ranked Raven de Guzman showcased his talent by overcoming No. 2 Francis Angels, 4-2, 4-2, to win in the youngest 10-and-U unisex division of the event sanctioned by Philta.
In doubles play, Dagoon and Gonzaga triumphed over Shiloh Cruz and Liwag, 8-3, to claim the 18-and-U crown, while Cristiano Calingasan and Vytiaco emerged victorious with an impressive 8-2 win against Johan Dacyon and Johnrey Garcia in the boys’ category.
Liwag teamed up with Sofia Aguilera, dominating the 14-and-U finals with an 8-1 win against Leanne Barrido and Ella dela Cruz.
Meanwhile, Cosca and Peralta clinched the boys’ 14-and-U title with an 8-1 demolition of Godfrey Buan and Lei Santiago.
In the youngest division, Angeles and Liam Harrow battled to claim the 10-and-U crown, narrowly escaping with an 8-7 (5) victory over De Guzman and Azl Gonzaga./ASC, WDJ