By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Unseeded Kathlyn Bugna of Negros Occidental won two titles in the MAC’s Crankit Foundation National Juniors Tennis Championships on Monday at Valle Verde Country Club in Pasig City.
Bugna, who hails from La Carlota City, captured the U14 crown after pulling off a 6-1, 6-3 victory over No. 8 Vania Parawan of Cainta, Rizal.
On her way to the final, Bugna ousted No. 1 Maristella Torrecampo, 6-2, 6-1, and No. 4 Isabel Otaiza, 6-0, 6-1.
Parawan, on the other hand, eliminated No. 3 Shaner Gabaldon in the semis, 7-6(5), 6-3.
In the U16 category, Bugna defeated No. 7 Justine Casiller, No. 3 Dania Bulanadi and Ataiza to reach the final where she beat Torrecampo. 6-3, 6-3.
Bugna, a member of the Batang Onay Tennis Club, earned the MVP honors along with Anthony Castigador, who won the boys U14 title over Alexandre Coyiuto, 6-2, 6-2.
Other winners of the tournament presented by Dunlop and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) were Rose Mikaela Ngu of Makati City (girls U18), Shaner Gabaldon of Roxas, Isabela (girls U12), Ariel Cabaral of Bais City, Negros Oriental (boys U18), Anirudh Palanisamy of Parañaque City (boys U16), Jan Caleb Villeno of San Pablo City, Laguna (boys U12) and Antonio Angeles of Quezon City (unisex U10).
Meanwhile, renowned tennis educator Philippe Matta also conducted an International Tennis Coaches Course seminar which covered coaching strategies, tactical drills and insights from elite global tennis academies. (PNA)
