Kathlyn Bugna hardly showed signs of rust despite coming off a long layoff, flashing the same poise, power and precision that have defined her young career as she fashioned out another twin-title feat in the girls’ division of the Cong. Eric Olivarez National Open Tennis Championships in Sucat, Parañaque over the weekend.
The 14-year-old standout from La Carlota City reaffirmed her status as one of the country’s most promising junior players, dominating the 14-and-under category as the third seed with a clinical 6-2, 6-2 victory over No. 5 Michaela Suarez at the Olivarez Sports Center.
She then showed no let-up in the 16-and-U finals, blasting past No. 6 Tori Deocampo, 6-0, 6-1, as the No. 2 seed in the Group 2 tournament held as part of the Olivarez family’s long-standing commitment to junior tennis development.
Bugna’s latest conquests extended her growing collection of titles that began in Pasig last April and continued with dominant campaigns in Iloilo, Bacolod, Roxas, Kalibo and Cebu – each adding to her reputation as a relentless and consistent force on the junior circuit.
Her blend of athleticism, court smarts and mental toughness has set her apart from her peers, making her one of the brightest hopes for Philippine tennis.
Her success is also a reflection of the grassroots efforts spearheaded by Team Batang Onay, a group committed to developing regional tennis talents and exposing them to high-level national competition. With each win, Bugna is not just piling up trophies – she’s paving the way toward a future in international competition, where she is widely expected to thrive.
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.
