Cebu city: Cebuano netter Juvels Velos emerged victorious in the boys’ U18 category of the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) Age Group Championships, defeating Al Jose Gairanod Jr. with scores of 6-4, 7-6 (5) at the CitiGreen courts on Wednesday. The Grade 12 student from the University of the Visayas-Compostela campus clinched his seventh title despite dealing with a wrist injury.

According to Philippines News Agency, Velos expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, “It was pretty decent, hitting corner shots and applying what I’ve practiced was a good thing during that match even though I struggled with my wrist injury.” At 16, Velos has an impressive record, having previously secured a team silver and individual bronze at the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships in Palawan. He also participated in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa in Marikina and the 2024 edition in Laoag City.

In other results, Matthew Morris defeated Jhunreal Anthony Espinosa, 6-4, 6-3, to claim the boys’ U16 singles final and also secured the U18 doubles title with partner Rain Ninal. Marcus Go triumphed over Claudwin Seven Tonacao, 6-2, 0-6, 6-1, in the U14 division, while Val Ian Gairanod won against Nino Miguel Lambating, 6-0, 6-4, in the U12 category. The U14 doubles title was claimed by Marcus and Matthias Go, who outperformed Uzziah Rezin Giray and Claudwin Seven Tonacao, 6-1, 6-3.

On the girls’ side, Gesellyn Constancio dominated the U18 division, easily overcoming Dorothy Antonette Araneta, 6-1, 6-0, before partnering with Trisha Sio to secure the doubles crown against Theia Go and Alexa Ong, 6-1, 6-2. Donna Mae Diamante won the U16 category against Thea Mae Castro, 6-1, 6-2.

In the U14 division, Ma. Carolien Fiel defeated Ma. Angelica Dela Cerna, 6-3, 6-1, and the duo then teamed up to win the doubles against Kyla Caguioa and Kacy Virparia, 6-0, 6-1. Kyla Caguioa later captured the U12 singles title by defeating Donarose Olavidez, 6-1, 7-6 (5).

The awards were presented to the winners by PHILTA secretary general John Rey Tiangco and United Tennis Philippines (UTP) board director Jackie Tomacruz.