Filipino mixed doubles pair Jade Andrei Ignacio and Janelle Jhane Ramos (2nd and 3rd from left) made an impressive debut at the Teqball World Series in Dezhou City, China which concluded on May 25, 2025. They reached the third round, but the Romanian Kinga Barabasi and Polish Marek Pokwap (2nd and 3rd from right). (Contributed photo)
Filipino athletes Jade Andrei Ignacio and Janelle Jhane Ramos showcased their potential at the Teqball World Series in Denzhou, China, which concluded on Sunday, marking their debut on the international stage.
Representing Laoag City, the young duo secured a thrilling victory in the second round of mixed doubles, overcoming China’s Yifan Cheng and Yimeng Yang in three sets, 11-12, 12-9, 12-8. However, they eventually bowed out against world-class opposition in Romania’s Kinga Barabasi and Poland’s Marek Pokwap, who currently rank No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, in the International Teqball Federation (FITEQ) world singles rankings. The pair fell 1-12, 1-12.
“It was an amazing experience to play against the best in the world. We learned a lot and gave it our all,” said 16-year-old Ignacio in an online interview on Monday.
A Grade 12 student at Ilocos Norte National High School, Ignacio also competed in the men’s singles category. After a tough opening-round loss to Hungary’s Arpad Sipos (5-12, 2-12), he rebounded with an impressive win over China’s Xiang Liu (12-4, 12-5). He was later eliminated in the Round of 32 by Hungary’s Balazs Imreh (1-12, 9-12).
Ramos, also 16, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to compete internationally. “I never imagined I’d play in such a big tournament. I’m thankful to Andrei for his support during our matches. I’ll continue to train hard so I can compete abroad again,” she said.
The pair earned their ticket to China by topping the two-leg Philippine Teqball Federation (PITEQ) qualifying tournaments held in Tarlac City, Cainta, and Laoag City.
“This is a historic achievement for the Philippines—our first wins in mixed doubles and men’s singles at a World Series event,” said national coach George Balanay, who also coaches sepak takraw. “With the continued support from PITEQ President Victor Yap, Secretary General Peter Paul Soliman, and Executive Director Jovy Mamawal, we believe our athletes can bring home medals in future tournaments.”
The Denzhou event is part of the national team’s buildup for a busy competitive calendar, including the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Saudi Arabia, and the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok later this year.
Teqball, a rapidly growing European sport, combines the foot skills of football with the agility of sepak takraw, played on a uniquely curved ping-pong-style table.
Backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission, the national teqball team first competed at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, where the sport was introduced as a demonstration event. They have since represented the country in regional tournaments in Koh Samui, Thailand; the World Series in Vietnam; and the World Championships in Bangkok.
PITEQ is a proud member of FITEQ, which received official recognition from the Olympic Council of Asia in August 2018 and from the Global Association of International Sports Federations in November 2020.