Christel Fuentespina ensured the Philippines will have a homegrown contender to cheer for this weekend after advancing to the quarterfinals of the girls’ U19 singles event of the Philippine Junior International Series presented by the Philippine Sports Commission with a 21-10, 17-21, 21-10 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Tsai Ning Tu on Thursday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

The national junior team standout recovered from a second-set setback to regain control in the decider, completing her Round of 16 triumph in just over 44 minutes of play.

“It feels great because it was held right here in the Philippines, and I got the chance to reach the quarterfinals and show what Filipino players are capable of,” the 17-year-old Fuentespina shared, emphasizing the importance of hosting a tournament of this caliber, which has drawn young athletes from 30 countries and is supported by the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee.

“It’s extremely important because those players who can’t afford to travel abroad for international tournaments were given the chance to play right here in the Philippines and showcase what they can do.”

Fuentespina will next face top-seeded Indian Naishaa Kaur Bhatoye, who defeated Ma. Nicole Notorio, 21-14, 21-14, for a place in the semifinals.

Joining her in the quarterfinals is fellow national junior team member Eve Bejasa, who defeated Canada’s Althia Bedi, 21-16, 21-18.

The victory served as a strong response for the young Cebuana after she and Roaquine Ramos were eliminated from the mixed under-19 doubles earlier in the day, falling to Malaysians Yusuf M. Iqbal and Hwee Ling Leong, 10-21, 17-21.

She will next face the winner between Thailand’s Chanya Saritdichainanta and Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen.

In mixed U19 doubles, Ralph Niño Dalojo and Enya Almazan also advanced to the quarterfinals after sweeping fellow Filipinos Prince Lloren and Jaci Canete, 21-8, 21-10, in an all-Filipino second-round encounter. They will next take on Iqbal and Leong for a spot in the semifinals.

The Philippines also enjoyed success in the under-15 doubles events, with Khalil Arimao and Jan Lemar Salomon advancing to the boys’ quarterfinals, while Seanna Reign Berce and Psalm Tablante reached the girls’ quarterfinals.

Arimao and Salomon pulled off an impressive 21-11, 21-10 upset over Malaysia’s Jian Yuean Loo and Jian Hau Ng. Berce and Tablante, meanwhile, defeated Maldives’ Ahmed Mahloof Laiba and India’s Kyra Raina, 23-21, 21-16.