Jan Krelz Gecosala and Shaner Gabaldon lived up to expectations, securing two titles each in the younger divisions, while Antonio Roberto pulled off a stunning upset in the boys’ 18U category at the PPS-PEPP Pres. Arnold Embudo National Junior Tennis Championships in Kidapawan City, Cotabato over the weekend.
Gecosala displayed dominance in the boys’ 14U category, dropping just five games on his way to the finals before outlasting Julius Otoc, 6-4, 6-2, to claim the title.
The rising star from Midsayap, North Cotabato faced a tougher challenge in the 16U semifinals, battling past Tom Songcayauon in a three-set thriller, 6-2, 6-7(7), 6-3. He then cruised past Aljaven Lumambas, 6-0, 6-2, to complete a two-title sweep in the Group 2 tournament presented by Dunlop.
Shaner Gabaldon from Pasig also dominated the girls’ 12U category, losing just six games throughout the tournament. She capped off her run with a commanding 6-0, 6-0 victory over Aleushia Maurin in the finals.
Gabaldon carried her momentum into the 14U division, storming through the competition before holding off Justine Gumbao, 6-3, 7-5, in the final.
With two titles to her name, she shared Most Valuable Player honors with Gecosala in the second leg of the three-leg Mindanao swing, part of the nationwide talent-search initiated by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.
The unranked Roberto, on the other hand, stunned second seed Kenneth Ediza in the first round, 6-4, 6-3, and the Mlang, Cotabato native continued his remarkable run all the way to the finals.
In a thrilling championship match, Roberto edged past top seed Albretch Job, 6-2, 1-6, 7-5, marking his arrival as a rising force in junior tennis.
Dhea Cua, the tournament’s top seed in the girls’ premier 18U category, posted a flawless 6-0, 6-0 victory over Sanschena Francisco, while Kirsten Gorre claimed the 16U girls’ crown, defeating Mariam Mokalam, 6-2, 6-4.