Jana Jelena Diaz Secures Girls' Singles Title at Batang Pinoy National Championships

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Jana Jelena Diaz, the top seed from General Trias City, Cavite, clinched the girls' singles championship at the Batang Pinoy National Championships held at the General Santos Tennis Club on Friday, October 31, 2025. Diaz dominated second-seeded Dhea Angelica Cua of Cotabato City with a straight-sets victory, 6-1, 6-4.

The Grade 11 La Salle Zobel student reached the final after defeating fourth seed Sabine Dasha See of Pasig City, 8-2, while Cua edged past third seed Jayden Reece Ballado of Olongapo City in a tightly contested 8-7 (5) semifinal match.

Reflecting on her win, Diaz stated, "I came here prepared and I'm happy to win again. I'm looking forward to next year's Batang Pinoy in Bacolod City and will train hard to defend my title." Currently ranked No. 1 in the U16 and No. 3 in the U18 Philippine Tennis Association standings, the 16-year-old also secured team gold and mixed doubles bronze medals last year at the tournament in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Additionally, she won the mixed doubles gold in the 2023 Batang Pinoy held in Manila.

Earlier this year, Diaz claimed the U18 singles title at the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open Juniors and was runner-up in doubles with partner Chloe Marie Mercado. She has also represented the Philippines internationally, participating in the Billie Jean King Cup pre-qualifying round in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and capturing the U16 singles title at the Asian Tennis Federation tournament in Shymkent, Kazakhstan in May.

In the boys' division, fifth seed Stephen Fuertes of Digos City, Davao del Sur, triumphed over ninth seed Al Tristan Licayan in a thrilling three-set final, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3). Fuertes advanced to the final by defeating top seed Juvels Velos of Cebu City 8-6 in the semifinals and third seed France Vhiele Dilao of Santa Rosa City, Laguna 8-7 (4) in the quarterfinals.

Licayan, meanwhile, delivered notable upsets throughout the tournament by overcoming second seed Rain Ninal of Valencia, Bukidnon (8-2), fourth seed Shawn Apollo Globasa of North Cotabato (8-3), and sixth seed Inigo Nathaniel Barrios of Kidapawan City (8-0).

As of 3 p.m. Friday, Pasig City maintained its lead in the unofficial medal standings with 38 golds, 25 silvers, and 29 bronzes. Manila followed closely with 36 golds, 31 silvers, and 25 bronzes, while four-time champion Baguio City logged 29 gold medals.

Other notable standings included Quezon City in fourth place with 22 golds, complemented by Santa Rosa City, Leyte, Davao City, Zamboanga City, General Santos City, and Surigao del Sur rounding out the top ten.

The Batang Pinoy tournament, organized by the Philippine Sports Commission under chairman John Patrick Gregorio, held its closing ceremony on Thursday. General Santos City Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao officially transferred hosting responsibilities to Bacolod City Mayor Greg G. Gasataya.

With a total prize pool of PHP15 million, rewards are allocated with PHP5 million for the overall champion, PHP4 million for second place, PHP3 million for third, PHP2 million for fourth, and PHP1 million for fifth place.