UAAP top freshman Ducanes dominates Batang Pinoy

Olympia Ducanes —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Another UAAP star has taken her success to the ranks of the Batang Pinoy.

Olympia Ducanes handed Pasig City a gold medal in the national tournament after beating Christine Elep of Camarines Norte, 11-4, 11-8, 11-7, in the finals of the table tennis mini cadet girls division at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City recently.

The 12-year-old Ducanes, the reigning UAAP high school Rookie of the Year out of University of the Philippines Integrated School, beat Vivian Luna of Tanauan City, 3-1; Myzette Torres of Manila, 3-0; and Thea Danielle Borazon of Naga City, 3-0; in the earlier rounds.

The Grade 7 student, handled by coach Mitchie Nazareth, also defeated Ayesha Jane Cuenta of Ilocos Sur, 3-0, and Ma. Mikaela Jopillo, 3-2, before claiming the gold medal.

Other winners in the Batang Pinoy table tennis competitions include Liam Zion Cabalin (mini cadet boys), Joanna Isabelle Esguerra (cadet girls), and Andre John Ong (cadet boys).

Philippine National Games winners in table tennis were Kyla Cielo Bernaldez (women’s singles), and John Russel Misal (men’s singles).