Olongapo City: Ayl Xyza Gonzaga of Olongapo City is back in training as she prepares for the Central Luzon regional qualifying for this year’s Palarong Pambansa. The 13-year-old tennis player aims to carry forward her recent success into the prestigious national event.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gonzaga was recently named Most Valuable Player after securing three titles at the Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas National Juniors Tennis Championships in Digos City, Davao del Sur. In the singles category, she triumphed over Princess Placa with scores of 6-2, 6-0 in the U14 final and claimed the U16 title by defeating Mariam Mokalam, 6-0, 6-3. Gonzaga also paired with Sanchena Francisco to win the U18 doubles title against Camille Jhed Clar and Dhea Angelica Cua, finishing 8-4.

Expressing her gratitude, Gonzaga said in an interview on Wednesday, “I am super happy and thankful to God, and my family and friends for their support. I also want to thank coach Richard Cunanan for the hard training.” The young athlete, a Grade 7 student at Olongapo City National High School, recently earned a team silver at the Batang Pinoy National Finals in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last year.

Gonzaga is hopeful to compete in the Palarong Pambansa again, having previously won a mixed doubles bronze medal with Anthony James Cosca at the 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu. She is also a member of the Philippine team that placed fourth in the World Juniors U14 tournament in Bahrain last February.

In related news, Julius Otoc defeated Gil Niere with scores of 6-3, 6-3 to clinch the boys U14 title in Digos City. Other champions included Dhea Cua (girls U18), Maria Shan Tuyor (girls U12), Stephen Fuertes (boys U18), I±igo Barrios (boys U16), Pete Niere (boys U12), and KC Rabino (unisex U10).