MANILA – Cebuano netter Juvels Velos captured the boys’ U18 crown of the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) Age Group Championships after outlasting Al Jose Gairanod Jr., 6-4, 7-6 (5), at the CitiGreen courts in Cebu City on Wednesday.

The Grade 12 student at the University of the Visayas-Compostela campus secured his seventh title despite a wrist injury.

"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," said the 16-year-old Velos in an interview Thursday.

He previously bagged a team silver and individual bronze in the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships in Palawan. He also saw action in the 2023 Palarong Pambansa in Marikina and the 2024 edition in Laoag City.

Meanwhile, Matthew Morris outplayed Jhunreal Anthony Espinosa, 6-4, 6-3, in the boys' U16 singles final. He also claimed the U18 doubles title with Rain Ninal.

In other final results, Marcus Go beat Claudwin Seven Tonacao, 6-2, 0-6, 6-1 (U14) and Val Ian Gairanod downed Nino Miguel Lambating, 6-0, 6-4 (U12).

Marcus Go and Matthias Go won the U14 doubles title over Uzziah Rezin Giray and Claudwin Seven Tonacao, 6-1, 6-3.

On the girls’ side, Gesellyn Constancio dominated the U18 division, sweeping Dorothy Antonette Araneta, 6-1, 6-0, before teaming up with Trisha Sio to take the doubles crown against Theia Go and Alexa Ong, 6-1, 6-2.

Donna Mae Diamante prevailed in U16 over Thea Mae Castro, 6-1, 6-2.

In the U14, Ma. Carolien Fiel downed Ma. Angelica Dela Cerna, 6-3, 6-1, before the pair joined forces to rule the doubles over Kyla Caguioa and Kacy Virparia, 6-0, 6-1.

Caguioa bounced back to snatch the U12 singles crown against Donarose Olavidez, 6-1, 7-6 (5).

Winners received their awards from PHILTA secretary general John Rey Tiangco and United Tennis Philippines (UTP) board director Jackie Tomacruz. (PNA)