Pasig's Ducanes strikes table tennis gold in Batang Pinoy

MANILA, Philippines -- Olympia Ducanes led Pasig’s campaign in the Batang Pinoy table tennis tournament, winning the gold medal over Christine Elep of Camarines Norte, 11-4, 11-8, 11-7, in the mini cadet girls division at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Paranaque City.

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.

She also defeated Ayesha Jane Cuenta of Ilocos Sur, 3-0, and Ma. Mikaela Jopillo, 3-2, before claiming the gold medal.

The Grade 7 student thanked Pasig table tennis coach Mitchie Nazareth and the City Government of Pasig Development Program for being instrumental in her road to the Batang Pinoy 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 are Kyla Cielo Bernaldez (women’s singles), and John Russel Misal (men’s singles).