Bugna dominates Olivarez juniors tilt

Kathlyn Bugna hardly showed signs of rust despite coming off a long layoff, flashing the same poise, power and precision that have defined her young career as she fashioned another twin-title feat in the girls’ division of the Cong. Eric Olivarez National Open Tennis Championships in Sucat, Parañaque over the weekend.

The 14-year-old standout from La Carlota City reaffirmed her status as one of the country’s most promising junior players, dominating the 14-and-under category as the third seed with a clinical 6-2, 6-2 victory over No. 5 Michaela Suarez at the Olivarez Sports Center.

She then showed no let-up in the 16U finals, blasting past No. 6 Tori Deocampo, 6-0, 6-1, as the No. 2 seed in the Group 2 tournament held as part of the Olivarez family’s long-standing commitment to junior tennis development.

Bugna’s latest conquests extended her growing collection of titles that began in Pasig last April and continued with dominant campaigns in Iloilo, Bacolod, Roxas, Kalibo and Cebu — each adding to her reputation as a relentless and consistent force on the junior circuit.

Her blend of athleticism, court smarts and mental toughness has set her apart from her peers, making her one of the brightest hopes for Philippine tennis.

Her success is also a reflection of the grassroots efforts spearheaded by Team Batang Onay, a group committed to developing regional tennis talents and exposing them to high-level national competition. With each win, Bugna is not just piling up trophies — she’s paving the way toward a future in international competition, where she is widely expected to thrive.