TENNIS

Bugna shines anew, conquers VARAC tilt

DT · May 23, 2025, 1:42 AM

KATHLYN Bugna (second from left) holds her trophy after winning three titles in the VARAC National Juniors Tournament in Cebu City. Also shown are Villa Aurora Racquet Club executives Al Jose Gairanod, Anthony Espinosa, Enzo Niere and Gaga Butcon. — Photograph courtesy of PPS

Kathlyn Bugna continued her impressive ascent in Philippine junior tennis, claiming a dominant triple-title sweep, including two in girls’ singles, at the VARAC National Juniors Tournament in Cebu City on Wednesday.

The 14-year-old sensation from La Carlota City, Negros, reinforced her status as one of the country’s most promising young players.

She successfully defended her throne in her age category, dispatching doubles partner Theriz Zapatos, 6-1, 6-1, in a commanding final performance at the Villa Aurora Racquet Club (VARAC) courts.

Bugna then showcased her grit and staying power in a grueling 16U championship match, fending off Donna Mae Diamante in a three-set thriller, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, to complete another double.

Capping her amazing run, Bugna and Zapatos teamed up to clinch the 14U girls’ doubles title with an 8-1 rout of Sabrina Aldeguer and Isobel Alipo-On, securing Bugna another multi-title haul following similar feats in Pasig’s MAC Crankit tournament and in previous PPS-PEPP legs in Iloilo, Bacolod, Roxas and Kalibo.