PACO, MANILA — Leanna Barrido and Claudwin Tonacao clinched the 14-and-under singles titles following contrasting victories at the newly inducted PCA Open-Palawan Pawnshop Juniors Tennis Championships held at the PCA outdoor courts.
Barrido displayed composure to edge Francine Wong 7-6(6), 6-4 in a tight girls’ championship clash, while Tonacao secured a dominant 6-1, 6-3 win over eighth seed Francisco De Juan III to claim the boys’ crown.
The tournament marks the latest addition to Palawan Pawnshop’s expanding tennis circuit, adding to established fixtures like the Gentry, Olivarez, and Palawan Open tournaments. Organized under Palawan Pawnshop president and CEO Bobby Castro, the Philta- and UTR-sanctioned event was presented by Dunlop and supported by ICON Golf & Sports and the Palawan Group of Companies.
In the 18-and-under division, Jana Diaz routed Izabelle Camcam 6-2, 6-0, and Miguel Lagac III overpowered Josuie Pante with identical 6-2, 6-2 scores. The 16-and-under class saw Shaner Gabaldon defeat Ava Banson 6-2, 6-2, and Nicholas Andal beat Julius Otoc 6-2, 6-0.
Meanwhile, Zhynaiah Gargaceran cruised past Abby Castigador 6-1, 6-1, and Raven Licayan outlasted Dale Diamante 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 in the 12-and-under category.
Gabaldon emerged as the tournament’s lone double champion, teaming up with Sabine See to win the girls’ 18-and-under doubles title over Dania Bulanadi and Avegail Ansay.
Other doubles winners included Rafa Monte de Ramos and Ace Bandalla in the boys’ 18-and-U, Athena Liwag and Michaela Suarez in the girls’ 14-and-U, and Rafaello Munozco and Tristan Coros in the boys’ 14-and-U.