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| Padel Pilipinas’ LA Cañizares and Tao Yee Tan (2nd and 3rd from the left) after winning the Mix Pro Title. |
MANILA—Filipino pride shone on the international stage as national athletes LA Cañizares and Tao Yee Tan captured the Pro Mix Championship at the Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT) Kuala Lumpur OpenThe duo delivered a stellar performance in the finals, overcoming the formidable pair of Russia’s Irina Chernaya and Australia’s Tim Brown—5-time Mix Pro champions on the Asia Pacific Padel Tour—in a thrilling three-set battle, 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.
Following the match, LA Cañizares shared, “It feels amazing to win on this stage. We’ve been training hard for moments like this, and we’re grateful to bring this home for the Philippines.”
Tan echoed his sentiment, saying, “This victory is for everyone who believes in us and supports padel back home. We hope this inspires more Filipinos to pick up a racket and join the sport we love.”
Tan further showcased her talent and determination in the Pro Female Finals, teaming up with Mariam Yasmin Garsin to take on Japan’s Kotomi Ozawa and Spain’s Elisabeth Nogueras.
After dropping the first set, Tan and Garsin fought back fiercely in the second, saving five match points and winning all the golden points, before narrowly falling short, 6-0, 7-6 (2-7).
Their resilient stand underscored the rising competitiveness of Filipino athletes on the international padel stage.
Rounding out a solid campaign, all members of Team Padel Pilipinas reached at least the quarterfinal stage of their respective categories.
LA Cañizares, partnering with Qoqo Allian, advanced to the Pro Male Quarterfinals, while Princess Jean Naquila and Jed Vallie Rayne Aquino secured a quarterfinal finish in the Pro Female Category.
Their performances contributed to a strong showing for the Philippines throughout the tournament.
Senator Pia S. Cayetano, the founder of Padel Pilipinas, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments.
“We are incredibly proud of LA and Taoyee for bringing home the championship and showcasing the world-class talent of Filipino padel athletes. To Taoyee and Yam for their impressive finals finish, and to the rest of the team for reaching the quarterfinals—your dedication and passion continue to inspire. Mabuhay kayo!” she said.
The APPT Kuala Lumpur Open, held from April 25-27, brought together top padel athletes from across Asia and around the world, from regions where the sport enjoys widespread popularity and a highly competitive scene.
The tournament’s diverse international lineup highlights padel’s growing global presence and rising appeal across Asia.
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