MANILA – Negrense rising star Kathlyn Bugna continued her impressive run on the junior tennis circuit, securing another double-title performance in the girls’ division of the Cong. Eric Olivarez National Open Tennis Championships in Sucat, Parañaque.
The 14-year-old standout from La Carlota City, Negros Occidental showed no signs of rust as she dominated the 14-and-under category, dispatching No. 5 seed Michaela Suarez with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory at the Olivarez Sports Center.
Bugna, seeded No. 3 in the age group, followed it up with another emphatic win in the 16-and-under finals, crushing sixth seed Tori Deocampo, 6-0, 6-1. She entered the older division as the second seed in the Group 2 tournament, which is part of the Olivarez family’s long-standing support for junior tennis development.
Her latest triumphs add to a growing list of titles that began in Pasig last April and continued with dominant performances in Iloilo, Bacolod, Roxas, Kalibo, and Cebu—solidifying her reputation as one of the most consistent and relentless players in the junior ranks.
Known for her athleticism, court intelligence, and mental toughness, Bugna has emerged as one of the brightest young prospects in Philippine tennis.
Her success also reflects the effectiveness of grassroots development programs, particularly those championed by Team Batang Onay, under whose guidance she continues to thrive.
With every tournament win, Bugna is not only collecting trophies—she is also laying the groundwork for a promising future on the international stage, where many believe she will make her mark.
On the boys’ side, San Pablo City’s Jan Caleb Villeno matched Bugna’s twin-title romp with an equally impressive campaign. The top seed ruled the 12-and-U division with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Gabriel Vitaliano, then showed grit and tenacity in the 14-and-U bracket.
As the No. 6 seed, Villeno ousted No. 4 Sky Berille, 6-1, 6-1, in the quarterfinals, stunned top seed Marcus Go, 7-6(1), 6-1, in the semis, and outlasted No. 5 Matthias Go, 6-1, 4-6, 6-0, in the finals.
Other winners in the tournament, supported by Universal Tennis and ICON Golf & Sports, were Al Tristan Licayan (Gen. Trias, Cavite), who foiled Rafa Monte de Ramos, 6-3, 6-4, for the boys’ 18-and-U crown; and Rafa Monte de Ramos (Lipa City), who bounced back with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Cristiano Calingasan in the 16-and-U finals.
James Harrow (Makati City), the No. 2 seed, toppled top-ranked Terrence Batallones, 4-0, 4-1, in the 10-and-U unisex division; Avegail Joy Ansay (Sta. Rosa, Laguna), repelled Melatiah Pascua, 6-0, 7-5, to claim the girls’ 18-and-U title; and Kyla Caguioa (Dasmariñas City), survived a tough three-setter against Michaela Abacan, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2, in the girls’ 12-and-U finals./PN
