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 -
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