Manila: Al Tristan Licayan scored two wins in the elimination round Monday to assure himself of a semifinal berth in the President’s Cup Masters at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. He demolished Troan John David Vytiangco, 6-0, 6-0, and Rain Ninal, 6-1, 6-1, in Group B.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gavin Kraut also advanced after prevailing over Ninal, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, and Vytiangco, 7-6 (5), 6-0. Licayan and Kraut will clash for the top spot on Tuesday. In Group A, Shaun Apoll Globosa beat Pete Rafael Bandala, 6-4, 5-7, 6-1, and Julio Ynigo Naredo, 6-3, 6-2.

“I’m happy that I made it to the semis and I will play even better because I want to win this tournament,” said the 15-year-old Licayan, a Grade 10 student at the Gov. Ferrer Integrated National High School in General Trias City, Cavite. He bagged two medals – a bronze in the mixed doubles with Jana Jelena Diaz and a gold in the team event with Ariel Cabral, Samuel Davila and Kenjie Kue – at the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships in Puerto Princesa, Palawan in November.

Licayan, who is currently No. 2 in the boys’ 16-under national rankings, is the eldest among three children of University of the East tennis coach Roel Licayan. In the boys’ 18-under division, Frank Nhiele Dilao conquered Sean Andrei Esick, 6-2, 6-2, while Kian John Sanchez trounced Antonio Ng Jr., 6-1, 6-2, in Group A of the event held in honor of Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) president, Mayor Eric Olivarez. Bench Neri defeated Aljohn Rombawa, 6-1, 6-2, and Stephen Fuertes outplayed France Vhiele Dilao, 6-2, 7-5, in Group B.

In the girls’ 18-under category, Stefi Marithe Aludo, Sandra Bautista, Dhea Angelica Cua and Avegail Joy Ansay also won their matches in the 2025 season opener of the Palawan Pawnshop National Tennis Championships.