Saturday, 08 August 2026 · Philippines
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MATTHEW CASTILLEJO GARCIA WINS BACK-TO-BACK AGE GROUP TITLES

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A New Crown, the Power of Innovation, and the Eternal Legacy of Sal Sánchez
A New Crown, the Power of Innovation, and the Eternal Legacy of Sal Sánchez
By Mauricio Sulaimán / WBC President / Son of José Sulaimán

A new world champion shook the boxing world on Saturday with a display of courage, valor, …

Matthew Castillejo Garcia, son of former longtime national ladies singles champion Dyan Castillejo of ABS-CBN and husband Antonio Garcia, has won 14 and under national age group championships beating players who were seeded higher than him without dropping a set.

Matthews?s overpowering ground strokes with his wicked forehand just skimming the net on the hardcourts of the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.

In the Henry Lee Memorial national 14 and under age group championships the young Garcia won in straight sets 7-5, 6-4 against Bo. 4 seed Miguel Luis Vicencio after beating NBo. 5 seed Diego Dayrit 6-3, 6-3 in the semis , 3rd seed Rafael LIangco 6-1, 6-1 in the quarter finals and Marlon Avila 6-1, 6-0 in the round of 16.

The tournament ran from March 28 to April 3.

In the Milo Tecyhnifibre tournament which ran from April 4 to 10, Matthey Castillejo Garcia opened up with a 6-0, 6-0 thrashing of Nicolas Katigbakbefore ousting top seed Sebastien Lhuillier 6-1, 6-3, followed by a 6-1, 6-3 victory over No. 3 seed Rafael Liangco 6-1, 6-3.

In the finals Matthew made short work of No. 4 seed Miguel Luis Vicencio 6-1, 6-1 to cap a rousing run of success in the 14 and under age group championships clearly following in the footsteps of his mother Dyan, who together with her sisters Jackie and Nina were a formidable trio in women?s tennis in the Philippines some years ago with Dyan qualifying for the Asian Games, Wimbledon and the Federation Cup.

Matthews proud mother says ?he is better than me.?

Photo: Matthew receives trophy for Milo from former national player Roland So (L). Also in the photo is Matthew's mom Dyan Castillejo, former national tennis champion and WTA ranked player.

Columns
A New Crown, the Power of Innovation, and the Eternal Legacy of Sal Sánchez
A New Crown, the Power of Innovation, and the Eternal Legacy of Sal Sánchez
By Mauricio Sulaimán / WBC President / Son of José Sulaimán

A new world champion shook the boxing world on Saturday with a display of courage, valor, …

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