Unified Tennis Philippines wins big in Penang Open netfest

MANILA, Philippines — The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Unified Tennis Philippines raked in eight titles in the recently concluded 40th Penang Open in Malaysia.

Juvels Velos claimed a pair of triumphs in the singles of the premier boys’ 18-Under as well as in the doubles where he partnered with Ariel Cabral, while Cielo Gonzales and AJ Acabo took the girls’ doubles 18U crown in the event that drew 332 participants from 15 countries.

Also reigning supreme were Pete Niere and Sherwin Gom-os (12U boys doubles), Kathlyn Bugna (14U girls singles), Bugna and Mitch Cruspero (14U girls doubles), Matt Morris and Marwin Plata (16U boys doubles) and Cadee Dagoon, who teamed up with Korean Haan Park to snare the 16U girls’ doubles title.

“Our athletes continue to prove that Filipino youth can excel on the international stage when given proper support and opportunity. We are proud of their discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship throughout the competition,” said UTP and Cebuana Lhuillier chief Jean Henri Lhuillier.

Lhuillier said the squad’s next stop is the second leg of the event in Perlis Malaysia this week.

“Cebuana Lhuillier remains committed to uplifting grassroots tennis and empowering the next generation of champions,” he said.