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:
Wardley 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 2026SHEEHY MAKES MATCHROOM DEBUT AGAINST GONZALEZ IN HOUSTON
Sun, 03 May 2026PH chess wizard IM Christian Gian Karlo Arca tops FIDE May 2026 PH Under 20 Junior rankings
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 03 May 2026The Monster Prevails: Inoue Weathers the Storm to Outlast Nakatani
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 02 May 2026Benavidez vs. Ramirez: Experts Weigh In Ahead of Blockbuster May 2 Light Heavyweight Clash
Sat, 02 May 2026Tsendy Erdenebat Wins Clear-Cut Unanimous Decision over Cobia Breedy in Main Event of ProBoxTV from Live! Casino Hotel Maryland
Sat, 02 May 2026Coach Ederwin Estavillo is ready
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 02 May 2026WOLVERHAMPTON FIGHT WEEK: OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR WALKER-EGGINGTON
Sat, 02 May 2026Cebuano Elmo Traya Eyes WBF World Title in Georgia
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 02 May 2026