Reymark Begornia (left) and Jemyca Aribado (2nd from right) top the elite category of the Philippine National Championships at the National Squash Center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila on Tuesday (Sept. 16, 2025). With them are the other medalists, including winners in the Division 1 category. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Squash Academy, Inc.)
Reymark Begornia and Jemyca Aribado reaffirmed their dominance on the local squash scene after ruling their respective divisions in the recently concluded Philippine National Squash Championships at the National Squash Center inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
Top-seeded Begornia captured the men’s elite crown after outlasting No. 2 seed David William Peliño in a grueling five-set final, 11-3, 6-11, 9-11, 11-5, 11-6, in a 43-minute thriller.
“I’m happy and blessed to win my second national title. It was a tough match,” said Begornia, who earlier dispatched Meljohn Arebado (11-4, 11-8, 11-3) in the second round and Christopher Buraga (11-7, 11-7, 11-5) in the semifinals.
Peliño advanced to the championship match with straight-set wins over Van Aero Dalida (11-4, 11-8, 14-12) and Jonathan Reyes (11-8, 11-5, 11-2), while Buraga settled for third after surviving Reyes in a five-set battle, 7-11, 11-5, 8-11, 11-6, 11-6.
On the women’s side, top-ranked Aribado stamped her class with a commanding 11-0, 11-7, 11-2 victory over Aerra JC Mae Relano in the final. The seasoned campaigner needed just 22 minutes to dispose of Yvonne Alyssa Dalida (11-4, 11-8, 11-8) in the semifinals, after cruising past Lysa Kate Trasmil (11-8, 11-9, 11-5) in the opening round.
“I’m happy to win the title and to be able to consistently stage the National Championship every year,” said Aribado. “Before, we couldn’t do it because there weren’t enough women players. It’s great to see the new generation coming in and challenging my title.”
Relano earned her place in the final by toppling Jane Emmanuela Naz (11-3, 11-4, 11-6) and pulling off an upset over No. 2 seed Lizette Reyes in the semifinals, 7-11, 12-10, 11-5, 11-6. Dalida claimed third place after a four-set win against Reyes, 11-7, 11-8, 8-11, 11-6.
With the national championship wrapped up, the country’s top squash players are now gearing up for the Philippine Satellite 2 (September 24–27), the Philippine Challenger (September 30–October 3), and the Manila Jumbo Doubles 2025 (October 16–19), all slated at the National Squash Center.