Kathryn Bugna is set for another title romp, aiming to stretch her remarkable winning streak against a fresh set of rivals in two age categories at the Vistec Roxas National Juniors Tennis Championships, which unfurls Monday at the Villareal Sports Complex in Capiz.
With five victories across various age divisions in recent PPS-PEPP tournaments, Bugna is not just the player to watch but the one to beat in this Group 2 event. She earned the top seeding in both the girls’ 14- and 16-and-under divisions.
Bugna, the pride of Batang Onay Tennis Club from Barangay RSB La Carlota City, will face strong opposition from the likes of Abby Castigador, Mikaela Chavez and Keisha Fungo in the 14-U class, while Atila Deocampo, Anne Lentija, Ysa Quanico, Ysabella Cordovero, Joy Opaño, Rose Tubongbanua and Fungo will try to stop Bugna in the 16-U category.
Bugna recently captured two titles at MAC’s Crankit tournament in Valle Verde, Pasig, and swept three age categories in Iloilo. However, she chose to skip the 18-U division this week. This paves the way for Aleeva Suace and Frances Lozada to contend for top honors in the five-day tournament.
In the girls’ 12-U class, Kate Chavez and Castigador are expected to lead the charge, alongside Marie Balbon, Aiyesha Tenorio, Maxine Oquendo and Grace Madjos.
In the boys’ side, a fierce battle is anticipated in the 18-U division featuring Raphael Lamata, Derrick Guillano, James Perlas and Gian dela Cruz, while Anthony Castigador, Andrian Rodriguez, Phine Billones and Perlas are among the top contenders in the 16-U bracket.