Zhynaiah Gargaceran of Bacolod City won the 12 under girls’ singles championship at the 43rd Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open on Wednesday, Nov. 11 after defeating Abby Joy Terese Castigador, 6-1, 6-1, in the finals in Paco, Manila.
Twelve-year-old Gargaceran topped a 64-player field in the tournament, which is widely regarded as the country’s premier tennis event, according to a release from the Bacolod City Communications Office.
A Grade 7 night-school student at St. Joseph’s School–La Salle, Gargaceran began playing tennis at age 7 when the Monta Tennis Court in her neighborhood in Barangay Montevista reopened following the COVID-19 pandemic.
She is coached by her father, Benjamin David Carranza, who trained her while working at the tennis court and as a delivery rider.
“All of our struggles have finally paid off, and everything has been worth it,” Carranza said.
Carranza said Zhynaiah trained before her morning classes and returned to the court after school until the facility closed for the night. Her mother, Gemma, said she hopes her daughter continues to excel in the sport.
Gargaceran, who cites Philippine tennis player Alex Eala as her inspiration, said she hopes to compete internationally. Her parents also credited 034 Tennis Outreach Incorporated, a private organization, for supporting her athletic development.
Currently ranked No. 16 by the Philippine Tennis Association (PhilTA), Gargaceran is also a champion of the Negros Island Regional Athletic Association (NIRAA) Meet.
She is scheduled to represent Bacolod City when it hosts the Batang Pinoy National Youth Games from Dec. 12 to 18.*
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