Higa, Naredo seek title repeat as Arcillas jr netfest unfolds

MANILA, Philippines — Fresh from their dominant performances last week, rising tennis stars Jonathan Higa and Julio Naredo look to extend their winning streaks as they headline the Mayor Arlene Arcillas National Juniors Tennis Championships, which got under way on Thursday at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.

Higa, who hails from Taguig, recently captured the boys’ 18-and-under crown after dispatching Gavin Kraut, 6-4, 6-2, in the Dr. Pablo Olivarez Sr. National Juniors tilt. Meanwhile, Quezon City’s Naredo stamped his class in the 16-and-U division with a commanding 6-0, 6-1 victory over Alexandre Coyiuto.

The pair’s recent triumphs have marked them as top contenders in the Group 2 event, presented by Dunlop.

Organized by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP), the event has drawn a big number of entries, prompting organizers to spread the tournament over two weeks. The boys’ division will run from Aug. 22 to 25, while the girls take center stage from Aug. 29 to September 1.

The huge turnout underscores the popularity of tennis among the youth and reflects the unwavering support of the host city, led by Mayor Arlene Arcillas, whose commitment to grassroots sports development continues to open doors for promising athletes nationwide.

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“The sheer volume of participants highlights not only the passion for tennis among Filipino youth but also the tremendous support of Sta. Rosa in nurturing athletic talent,” said PPS-PEPP Sports Program and Development director Bobby Mangunay.

While Higa and Naredo carry momentum and confidence into Sta. Rosa, they are fully aware that their paths to repeat victories will be anything but easy. Kraut, eager for redemption, remains a formidable threat in the 18-and-U field.

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The spotlight also turns to top seed Ariel Cabaral, along with siblings Frank and France Dilao, who are expected to live up to their billing in this highly competitive age group.

In the 16-and-U bracket, Naredo will face strong opposition from the likes of Brendan Morales, Rafa Monte De Ramos and Anthony Cosca, all aiming to make their mark in one of the most talent-rich divisions of the event held as part of the PPS-PEPP program, led by president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Cosca, doubling up in multiple age brackets in the tournament sanctioned by Philta with support from Universal Tennis and ICON Golf & Sports, also figures prominently in the 14-and-U category alongside Marcus Go, Tyronne Caro, and Kenji Kue.

Caro, who also scored a win in the Olivarez Sr. event, is on a mission for back-to-back titles in the 12-and-U division, where top seed Jan Villeno, Jairus Peralta and Joaquin Dacyon await.

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A wide-open race is expected in the 10-and-U unisex category – a showcase of raw, rising talent – featuring the likes of Terrence Batallones, Rafael Cablitas, Kirk Gonzaga and Jeffrey Tsoi.

For details, contact Mangunay at 0915-4046464.

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