Cebu’s rising junior tennis stars are poised to make a powerful statement as they take centerstage in the highly anticipated Lapu-Lapu City National Junior Tennis Championships, which kicks off 12 May at the Lapu-Lapu City courts in Cebu.

The five-day Group 2 tournament, sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) and part of the long-running Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) national circuit, has drawn nearly 200 players across nine age-group divisions for boys and girls. With valuable ranking points at stake, the event promises intense competition and opportunities for breakout performances.

Etha Nadine Seno leads the charge in the girls’ 14-and-under division as the top seed, aiming for a potential finals showdown against the in-form Kathlyn Bugna.

Bugna, currently the circuit’s most dominant player, has consistently ruled both the 14U and 16U divisions in recent months, and now eyes another crown to her growing collection.

However, Bugna’s road to the title may be anything but easy.

The 32-player draw includes strong challengers such as Theriz Zapatos, Sabrina Aldeguer, Abby Joy Castigador, Kate Chavez and Ninna Orlanes, all eager to upset the tournament favorite in the event, part of nationwide grassroots tennis initiative spearheaded by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro.

In the girls’ 16U bracket, Isobel Alipo-on enters as the top seed, with Besper Zapatos (No. 2), Clodyn Co (No. 3), and Cyndea Manalo (No. 4) rounding out a strong top four. Bugna, although unranked in this division, remains a dangerous wildcard capable of disrupting the draw.