By Jean Malanum

CHAMPION. Filipino-American Christopher Papa in action during the men’s singles final against homegrown Alberto Lim Jr. in the inaugural Palawan Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Malate, Manila on Sunday (May 31, 2026). Papa won, 6-4, 6-4. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – Filipino-American Christopher Papa and local talent Tennielle Madis were crowned champions in their respective divisions at the inaugural Palawan Open late Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Malate, Manila.

Papa pulled off a stunning 6-4, 6-4 victory over homegrown Alberto Lim, Jr. in the men’s singles final to claim the PHP300,000 champion’s purse in the event sanctioned by Philta and Universal Tennis Ranking (UTR) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Gentry Timepieces, and Bagong Pilipinas.

Papa also annexed the men’s double title, teaming up with Francis Casey Alcantara to conquer Eric Jed Olivarez and Nilo Ledama, 7-6(4), 6-3.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Madis of Philippine Tennis Academy earned PHP100,000 after prevailing over Marian Capadocia, 6-2, 7-6, in their women’s singles title duel.

Madis and PTA teammate Stefi Marithe Aludo defeated siblings Kaye-Ann and Mica Emama, 6-0, 6-2, for the women’s doubles title.

Alcantara and Capadocia ruled the mixed doubles category, beating Madis and Ronard Joven, 6-2, 4-6, 16-14. (PNA)