Manila: Filipino-American Christopher Papa and local talent Tennielle Madis were crowned champions in their respective divisions at the inaugural Palawan Open late Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in Malate, Manila. Papa pulled off a 6-4, 6-4 victory over homegrown Alberto Lim, Jr. in the men's singles final to claim the PHP300,000 champion's purse in the event sanctioned by Philta and Universal Tennis Ranking (UTR) and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Gentry Timepieces, and Bagong Pilipinas.
According to Philippines News Agency, Papa also annexed the men's doubles title, teaming up with Francis Casey Alcantara to conquer Eric Jed Olivarez and Nilo Ledama, 7-6(4), 6-3. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Madis of Philippine Tennis Academy earned PHP100,000 after prevailing over Marian Capadocia, 6-2, 7-6, in their women's singles title duel.
Madis and PTA teammate Stefi Marithe Aludo defeated siblings Kaye-Ann and Mica Emama, 6-0, 6-2, for the women's doubles title. Alcantara and Capadocia ruled the mixed doubles category, beating Madis and Ronard Joven, 6-2, 4-6, 16-14.
