Barrido, Tonacao rule 14U division

The PCA Open-Palawan Pawnshop Juniors Tennis Championships has joined the growing roster of major junior and Open tennis tournaments under the Palawan Pawnshop umbrella, with Leanna Barrido and Claudwin Tonacao leading the list of champions after contrasting victories in the 14U division at the PCA outdoor courts in Paco, Manila last Tuesday.

Barrido leaned on her fighting spirit and composure to overcome Francine Wong, 7-6(6), 6-4, in a tense girls’ finals showdown, while Tonacao capped a remarkable run with a dominant 6-1, 6-3 victory over eighth seed Francisco De Juan III in the boys’ championship.

The tournament’s inclusion in Palawan Pawnshop’s expanding tennis program further strengthens its presence in the local tennis scene, joining established fixtures such as the Gentry, Olivarez and Palawan Open tournaments.

The second-seeded Barrido, a rising talent from Antipolo, Rizal, had earlier cruised past Clare Henson, 6-1, 6-1, and Riomy Ambrad, 6-0, 6-4, in the first two rounds before surviving No. 8 Anica Palacio, 7-5, 7-5, in the quarterfinals.

She advanced to the finals via a walkover after Joella Sanchez withdrew to rush home to Cagayan de Oro. Sanchez had earlier escaped with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Kyla Caguiao, leaving Barrido with valuable time to rest and prepare for the title clash.