Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed UTP National Team Shines at 40th Penang Open, Captures Multiple Titles
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 02 Dec 2025
The Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP) National Team wraps up the 40th Penang Open International Championship 2025 on a triumphant note, proudly supported by Cebuana Lhuillier and other key partners.
Our young athletes delivered standout performances across multiple divisions, securing two singles titles in the Girls 14U and Boys 18U categories. The momentum continued in the doubles events where the delegation captured championships in six divisions: Boys 12U, Girls 14U, Boys 16U, Girls 16U, Girls 18U, and Boys 18U.
This year’s tournament is one of the region’s most competitive junior tennis events featuring 332 entries from 15 countries, offering the team invaluable international exposure and high-level match experience.
“Our athletes continue to prove that Filipino youth can excel on the international stage when given proper support and opportunity. We are proud of their discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the competition,” said UTP President and Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier. “Cebuana Lhuillier remains committed to uplifting grassroots tennis and empowering the next generation of champions.”
Following their strong finish in Penang, the UTP National Team now heads to Perlis, Malaysia for the second leg of the tournament as they aim to carry their momentum forward.
The UTP National Team is proudly supported by Cebuana Lhuillier, UNILAB, Alternatives Food Corp, PhilCare, STI, NAVEGAR, and Dunlop—partners who continue to champion the growth of Philippine youth tennis.
FULL LIST OF ATHLETE PERFORMANCES
Champions & Finalists
10U
Girls Doubles – Finalists:
Eilythia Comia & Natalie Ang Tze Yin (Malaysia)
12U
Boys Doubles – Champions:
Pete Niere & Sherwin Gom-os
Girls Doubles – Finalists:
Shaner Gabaldon & Zara Firman (Malaysia)
14U
Girls Singles – Finalist: Mitch Cruspero
Girls Singles – Champion: Kathlyn Bugna
Girls Doubles – Champions:
Kathlyn Bugna & Mitch Cruspero
16U
Boys Doubles – Champions:
Matt Morris & Marwin Plata
Girls Doubles – Champions:
Cadee Dagoon & Haan Park (Korea)
18U
Girls Doubles – Champions:
Cielo Gonzales & AJ Acabo
Boys Singles – Finalist: Ariel Cabaral
Boys Singles – Champion: Juvels Velos
Boys Doubles – Champions:
Ariel Cabaral & Juvels Velos
Other Notable Results
Enzo Niere – 10U Semifinalist
Ryan Orquina – 10U Quarterfinalist
Eilythia Comia – 10U Semifinalist
Pete Niere – 12U Boys 1st Round
Sherwin Gom-os – 12U Quarterfinalist
Shaner Gabaldon – 12U Quarterfinalist
EJ Niere – 14U Quarterfinalist
Claudwin Toñacao – 14U Quarterfinalist
Marwin Plata – 16U Quarterfinalist
Matthew Morris – 16U Semifinalist
Cadee Dagoon – 16U Semifinalist
AJ Acabo – 18U Elimination Round
Cielo Gonzales – 18U Semifinalist
40th Penang Open Intl Juniors Tennis held from
Nov 25 to 29, 2025 in Penang, Malaysia
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
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