The 2025 UTP Elite Eight Playoffs, one of the Philippines’ most prestigious junior tennis tournaments, concluded on June 15 in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. The weeklong competition brought together 72 of the country’s top junior tennis players—36 from Luzon/NCR and 36 from Visayas-Mindanao—vying for a spot on the 2025 UTP National Team.
Backed by Cebuana Lhuillier Sports, the tournament reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to grassroots sports development and national excellence across various disciplines, including tennis. Jean Henri Lhuillier, President of Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP) and President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, emphasized the importance of investing in youth sports: “We believe in the power of sports to change lives. Supporting platforms like the UTP Elite Eight Playoffs allows us to help young athletes develop their skills, build their confidence, and represent the Philippines with pride on the global stage,” he said.
Held from June 10 to 15, the tournament featured competition across five age-group divisions. Finalists and champions in each category have earned the right to represent the Philippines at an international tournament in Malaysia this November.
In the 10-and-under unisex division, Eilythia Comia and Everett Enzo Niere secured their spots. In the girls' division:
• 12-and-under: Shaner Gabaldon and Etha Nadine Seno
• 14-and-under: Mitchellen Cruspero and Kathlyn Bugna
• 16-and-under: Cadee Jan Dagoon and Khalilah Kate Imalay
• 18-and-under: Cielo May Gonzales and AJ Acabo
In the boys' division:
• 12-and-under: Everett Pete Niere and Sherwin Brylle Gom-os
• 14-and-under: Everett Gil Niere and Claudwin Seven Tonacao
• 16-and-under: Josh Benedict Lim and Matthew Morris
• 18-and-under: Juvels Velos and Ariel Cabaral
San Carlos City has served as host for the UTP Elite Eight Playoffs for three consecutive years, thanks to its top-notch sports facilities and the unwavering support of its local leaders—Mayor Rene Gustilo, Vice Mayor Criston Carmona, Congressman Gerardo Valmayor Jr., and Congressman Jules Ledesma.
The tournament is made possible through the support of Cebuana Lhuillier, alongside UNILAB, Alternatives Food Corporation, NAVEGAR, STI, Dunlop, Madison Galeries, and Mr. Freeze, and is officially sanctioned by PHILTA.-Marlon Bernardino -
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