As Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala continues to make history, her younger compatriots are also bringing pride to the country with their achievements. Over the weekend, the Philippines dominated the doubles category at the Melaka Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) Under-16 Series 2 in Malaysia.
In the boys’ doubles final, top seeds Lucas Go and Kenzo Brodeth triumphed over fourth seeds Shun Him Luk and Cun Hiu Chan of Hong Kong, winning 7-5, 6-2. Meanwhile, the unseeded duo of Arriana Reign Maglana and Louraine Jallorina pulled off a stunning upset in the girls’ doubles, defeating Indian Ahana Das and Filipino Ave Policarpio, the tournament’s top seeds, with a score of 6-0, 6-0.
Maglana, 13, hails from Maragusan, Davao de Oro, while 15-year-old Jallorina is from Iloilo City. Earlier this year, they won the U18 doubles title at the Juntaphil Cup held at the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) in Manila. Jallorina also earned a mixed doubles bronze medal at the 2023 Batang Pinoy National Championships in Manila.
“We’re both happy to win our first title abroad and we would like to thank the Philippine Tennis Academy (PTA), Tito Oscar Hilado, and Tito Romy Chan for their all-out support,” Jallorina said in an interview on Sunday.
The four players are now preparing for the two-leg J60 Phinma International Tennis Championships starting next week at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.
“Considering that they are all rookies, they did very well in Melaka,” said PTA coach Bobie Angelo, a multi-medalist in the Southeast Asian Games. “I see a very bright future for our young players. They train hard and always give their best on court. They have the potential; they just need more exposure abroad to improve their skills and gain confidence. Hopefully, they can also perform well in the upcoming J60 events.”
The PTA, founded by long-time sports patron Chan, has produced several outstanding players, including 2023 Metro Manila Open champion Arthur Craig Pantino and 2017 PCA Open champion John Bryan Otico.