Angeli Quiñones and Fatima Dumlao brace for a fierce showdown as the spotlight shifts to the girls’ division in the Fortheo National Junior Tennis Championships, which get under way at the Jethro Sports Center today in Valenzuela City.

The overwhelming number of entries prompted organizers to split the boys’ and girls’ competitions, with the boys taking center stage last week. Now, it’s the girls’ turn to showcase their talent and skills as top contenders and rising stars begin their title quests across five age categories.

Quiñones and Dumlao are pegged as favorites in the 18U division of the tournament powered by Tier One Architects, but their paths to the title won’t be easy. Looking to upset the projected finals clash are Jeanne Rusco, Viktoria Baniaol, Melatiah Pascua, May Bautista, Jana Bermejo and Jade Macayan.

The Group 2 event features 32-player draws across four other age divisions — 16U, 14U and 12U divisions, along with the 10U unisex group — highlighting the strong turnout of young talent from Valenzuela and neighboring towns and cities.

The tournament, sanctioned by Philta, is part of the country’s longest-running grassroots tennis talent search, spearheaded by Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro with support from Universal Tennis and ICON Golf & Sports.

All eyes will also be on Olongapo’s Ayl Gonzaga, who is aiming for a rare double victory in the 14U and 16U divisions.

But she faces stiff competition from a deep field that includes Shaner Gabaldon, Isabel Ataiza, Isabel Calingasan, Carolina Fandino, Natasha Gabriel, Brianna Gestuvo and Amara Paulino in the 14U bracket.

Gabaldon, Ataiza and Gabriel are also entered in the 16U division alongside Baniaol, Dumlao, Bermejo and Angelica Villa, ensuring a highly competitive battle for top honors and precious ranking points.

The 12U division is also expected to be wide open, with Isabel Calingasan leading the cast that includes Gabrielle Palacio, Elise Co, Celestina Salvador, Francesca Gomez, Zopiya Morales, Ariana Paulino and Julia Bermejo.