Gumbao bags 4 titles; Otoc shines in Palawan jrs netfest

MANILA, Philippines — Justine Gumbao and Julius Otoc stamped their class in the Palawan Pawnshop's Kidapawan City Juniors Age-Group Tennis Championships, powering to a combined six titles and emerging as the standout performers of the week-long Group 2 tournament at the Kidapawan courts. Gumbao was particularly dominant, sweeping the girls’ 14-and-under and 16-and-U singles crowns before adding two doubles titles for a rare four-title haul. The top seed in the girls’ division overwhelmed Chandra Felecio, 6-1, 6-3, in the 14-and-U final, then returned to the court to dispatch Marxian Sira, 6-1, 6-0, for the 16-and-U championship. She dropped just 11 games in six singles matches across the two age groups, underlining the gap she created over the field with her aggressive shot-making and relentless pressure. Gumbao completed her four-title sweep in doubles, teaming up with Kathryina Makabangit to whip Sabrina Esiderio and Maurin, 8-1, for the 14-and-U crown. She later paired with Clar to rout Gorre and Sira, 8-2, in the 18-and-U final. Otoc matched Gumbao’s dominance in the boys’ division, collecting the 16- and 18-and-U singles titles to share MVP honors with his female counterpart. He first overwhelmed recent Isulan, Sultan Kudarat leg winner Kresthan Belacas, 6-1, 6-1, in the 16-and-U final before turning back...