UTP National Team Shines in Malaysia and Thailand
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 15 Dec 2024
The UTP National Team delivered outstanding performances in back-to-back tournaments held in Penang, Malaysia, and Hat Yai, Thailand, solidifying their position as one of the rising forces in international junior tennis.
At the 39th Penang International Juniors’ Tennis Championships, the team showcased their dominance by clinching three singles titles and four doubles crowns. Ariel Cabaral and Hannah Divinagracia emerged as champions in the Boys’ and Girls’ 18-and under categories, respectively, while Jana Diaz secured the Girls’ 16-and-under title. In doubles, Cabaral teamed up with Gian Andre Dela Cruz to win the Boys’ 18-and-under division.
Divinagracia and Mica Emana triumphed in the Girls’ 18-and-under, while Diaz partnered with Khalilah Imalay to win the Girls’ 16-and-under.
Brendan Morales and Ace Bandala added to the team’s success with their victory in the Boys’ 14-and-under doubles.
The momentum continued at the 8th Hat Yai International Tennis Tournament, where the team captured two singles and four doubles titles. Divinagracia achieved back-to-back success by once again claiming the Girls’ 18-and-under singles crown. Cadee Dagoon added another title for the team by winning the Girls’ 14-andunder category. In doubles, Cabaral and Kurt Barrera secured the Boys’ 18-and-under title, while Divinagracia and Emana repeated their dominance in the Girls’ 18-and-under. Dagoon and Donna Diamante triumphed in the Girls’ 14-and-under doubles, and Ian Gairanod paired with Yuan Torrente to win the Boys’ 10-and-under division.
The team also had strong runner-up finishes. Mica Emana, Donna Diamante, Kurt Barrera, and Caroliean Fiel reached the finals in their respective singles categories. In doubles, Xian Calagos and Ethan Aguilar, Caroliean Fiel and Etha Nadine Seno, Brendan Morales and Ace Bandala, and the duo of Jana Diaz and Khalilah Imalay all finished as runners-up. Additionally, several players earned recognition for their semifinal appearances, underscoring the depth and talent of the team.
Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier CEO and President of Unified Tennis Philippines, expressed his pride in the team’s exceptional performance. He emphasized the importance of these international competitions in building the players’ confidence and experience, hoping it would inspire them to achieve even greater success in the future.
The UTP National Team’s participation in these prestigious tournaments was made possible through the generous support of Cebuana Lhuillier, UNILAB, NAVEGAR, PhilCare, STI, Alternatives Food Corporation, ASIATRADERS Corporation, and GOGO Xpress. Their commitment to developing young talent has been instrumental in helping these athletes reach new heights on the global stage.-Marlon Bernardino -
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Abdullah Mason Returns Home for Lightweight World Title Defense against Joe Cordina July 4 at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center
Wed, 06 May 2026Christopher Guerrero to face Delante Johnson on July 4 at the CSU Wolstein Center in Cleveland!
Wed, 06 May 2026Yanong and Horiike make weight in Japan for OPBF 140 lb. title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 05 May 2026Kulog at Kidlat: Boxing, Art, Thunder and Lightning at the 3rd Pacquiao–Elorde Awards
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 05 May 2026Camique forced to fight after food poisoning; hospitalized after losing by UD
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 05 May 2026Tony Tolj Previews Thunderdome 54
Tue, 05 May 2026Mexican boxing historian Eduardo Lamazón passes away at 70
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 05 May 2026NM Rolly Parondo rules Thailand FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 05 May 2026Wardley vs Dubois: 95% KO Power Collides in Manchester — Winner Gets Usyk Next
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 05 May 2026Former Cuban champions Gamboa and Rigondeaux returns on May 30 in Fort Lauderdale
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 05 May 2026Pido to defend crown in SIGLO 100km Ultramarathon
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 05 May 2026Yanong arrives in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 04 May 2026OLEKSANDR USYK VS RICO VERHOEVEN ‘GLORY IN GIZA’ TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR HISTORIC UNDISPUTED CLASH IN EGYPT – LIVE ON DAZN
Mon, 04 May 2026Parade of champs
By Joaquin Henson, Sun, 03 May 2026David Surov outboxes Kevin Martinez at IBA.PRO Russia vs World
Sun, 03 May 2026