Iglupas, Madis clinch singles titles as PH conquers PHINMA junior ITF tournament’s first week
The Philippines secured all championships in the first week of the PHINMA Group’s international junior tennis tournament with Filipino netters dominating the boys’ and girls’ singles finals a day after sweeping the doubles categories.
On Sunday, Miguel Iglupas bagged his second championship at the J30 PHINMA International Junior Tennis Championships after defeating John Benedict Aguilar at the boys’ singles category 6-2, 6-0. Meanwhile, Filipina bet Tennielle Madis edged out Taipei’s Yu Tsen Ko to become girls’ singles champion after winning 6-2, 6-3.
Iglupas and Aguilar, both tournament wildcards, earlier teamed up during the doubles’ finals where they defeated Hung-jui Cheng and Yu-Hsiang Chuang from Taipei at 7-5, 6-1.
Madis was also a finalist in the doubles’ category together with Jana Jelena Nicole Diaz, whom she bested in the singles semis. To recall, no. 2 seed Stefi Marithe Aludo and Kimi Aiyana Brodeth won the girls’ doubles championship at 6-4, 1-6, 10-5.
Officials from the International Tennis Federation (ITF), PHINMA Corporation, Philippine Tennis Association (Philta), Philippine Tennis Academy (PTA), and Manila Polo Club (MPC) joined the awarding ceremony at the MPC Upper Tennis Courts right after the singles’ finals.
During his remarks, PHINMA Chairman Emeritus and PTA Chairman Oscar J. Hilado thanked the ITF, represented by Supervisor/Referee Dharaka Ellawala, for having supported this tournament and underscored the importance of successfully establishing such events to highlight Filipino excellence in junior tennis. Mr. Hilado also recognized PTA President and Axelum Resources Inc. Chairman Rommie Chan for his longstanding support of Philippine tennis, particularly for young, promising players.
ITF PHINMA Tournament Director April Escalona-Toledo likewise congratulated the participants for all their hard work and effort in the past days, effectively demonstrating what it takes to become excellent tennis players.
Also present during the event were Philta President and Parañaque Mayor Eric Olivarez, Secretary General and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco, and Board Member Dyan Castillejo. Meanwhile, PTA was represented by its Board Members Toñico Climent, Atty. Joey Torres, Raymond Suarez, and Andoy Maglipon along with Head Coach Bobie Angelo.
This year marks the return of PHINMA’s international tennis tournament after a years-long hiatus since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The two-week event, supported by the PTA, will have local and international players vying for the 16th PHINMA title. The Main Draw is a 32-draw for both Boys and Girls categories with four Qualifiers moving up to it, with the Qualifying Draw also a 32-draw.
This comes as the Group reaffirms its commitment to making lives better, this time through investing in youth development in sports. Previous winners of the PHINMA-sponsored tournament include Alex Eala, Nino Alcantara, Bryan Otico, Iggy Pantino, and Khim Iglupas.
Mr. Hilado, a long-time tennis patron, believes together with the PTA in making lives better particularly for underprivileged, outstanding Filipino youth in tennis by providing them exposure to foreign competitors and experience in competing in international tournaments.
By excelling in these tournaments, the athletes attract the attention of U.S. NCAA coaches who offer them full ride scholarships in Division one prestigious universities. In fact, under Mr. Hilado’s watch, PTA has a 100% success rate of its athletes getting US college scholarships.