Christel Fuentespina ensured the Philippines will have a homegrown contender to cheer for this weekend after advancing to the quarterfinals of the girls’ under-19 singles in the inaugural Philippine Junior International Series, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, with a 21-10, 17-21, 21-10 victory over Chinese Taipei’s Tsai Ning Tu yesterday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The national junior team standout recovered from a second-set setback to regain control in the decider, completing her Round of 16 triumph in just over 44 minutes.
Fuentespina will next face top-seeded Indian Naishaa Kaur Bhatoye, who defeated Ma. Nicole Notorio, 21-14, 21-14.
Joining her in the quarterfinals is fellow national junior team member Eve Bejasa, who defeated Canada’s Althia Bedi, 21-16, 21-18.
The victory served as a strong response for the young Cebuana after she and Roaquine Ramos were eliminated from the mixed under-19 doubles earlier in the day, falling to Malaysians Yusuf M. Iqbal and Hwee Ling Leong, 10-21, 17-21.