Ayl Gonzaga continues to build a reputation as one of the most dominant junior tennis players in the country as she looks to extend her winning streak in the Gov. Edwin Jubahib National Juniors Tennis Championships in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
The Group 2 tournament, which kicked off Thursday at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, drew over 200 participants across nine age categories – a testament to the growing excitement and grassroots momentum in Philippine junior tennis.
The week-long event is sanctioned by Philta and Universal Tennis and supported by ICON Golf & Sports, with ranking points and prestige on the line.
At the center of the storm is Gonzaga, the 14-year-old sensation from Olongapo City, who has strung together a remarkable campaign across the Luzon and Mindanao legs of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) nationwide circuit. With multiple titles already under her belt this year, Gonzaga is quickly becoming a name to watch in the local tennis scene.
Fresh off her impressive two-title romp in the Isulan, Sultan Kudarat leg – where she captured both the girls’ 14- and 16-and-under crowns – Gonzaga enters the Tagum leg brimming with confidence and momentum. But her opponent in both Isulan finals – Justine Gumbao – returns with a renewed sense of purpose and a game plan focused on redemption.
Gumbao, from Sultan Kudarat, is determined to turn the tables in Tagum. Armed with new strategies and driven by the sting of twin losses, she seeks to not only derail Gonzaga’s golden run but also reassert her own standing as a top-tier junior contender.
But while much of the spotlight shines on the Gonzaga-Gumbao rivalry, several other rising stars are out to make waves and maintain their own momentum. Among them are Sanschena Francisco of Isulan, who ruled the girls’ 18-and-U category last week, Krelz Gecosala (boys’ 16-and-U) from Midsayap, North Cotabato, Kresthan Belacas (boys’ 12-and-U) from Mlang, Cotabato, and Davao City’s Arissa Macapendeg (10-and-U unisex).
The tournament also features doubles events in the 10-, 14-, and 18-and-under age groups, adding another layer of intensity and teamwork to the competition. For details, contact tournament director Bobby Mangunay at 0915-4046464.
The strong turnout – especially in the singles categories, with all four divisions drawing full 32-player fields – highlights the swelling enthusiasm among the nation’s young talents, many inspired by the international success of Alex Eala.
Also looking to make their mark in the boys’ divisions are Raphael Duay, Isaac Sanke, Charles Gallo, and Kurt Alcantara in the 18-and-U; Krisnel Batilo, Jhazz Fernando, and Rein Hayana in the 16-and-U; Tyronne Caro, Jon Roceta, Xian Sugsi, and Jaycee Compa in the 14-and-U; and Francis Dimzon, Rafael Cablitas, and Elijah Mar in the 12-and-U.
In the girls’ side, Camille Clar, Mariam Mokalam, Faith Lazaro, Ashley Poculan, and Joy Busig (18-and-U); Teiko Ello and Lorraine Alegria (16-and-U); Bai Makabangkit and Shan Tuyor (14-and-U); and Althea Masinadlong and Christine Teposo (12-and-U) are among the fresh faces ready to challenge the favorites.
