Papa, ranked No. 4 in the country, toppled top Filipino player Alberto Lim Jr. in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, to capture the men’s singles crown of the P2-million tournament. Despite the straight-set result, Papa fiercely contested the championship duel, capitalizing on crucial breaks in each set to secure the victory.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Madis once again showcased her growing dominance in Philippine women’s tennis after defeating veteran Marian Capadocia, 6-2, 7-6, in a gripping finals showdown to bag the women’s singles title and the P100,000 champion’s purse.

The triumph marked Madis’ second straight victory over Capadocia, following her semifinal win against the seasoned campaigner during her title run in the recent Philta National Open.

The Palawan Group of Companies sponsored the tournament, the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) and Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) sanctioned it, and the Philippine Sports Commission, Gentry Timepieces, and Bagong Pilipinas backed it.

A dramatic semifinal comeback highlighted Papa’s journey against top seed Digvijay Singh of India. The Filipino-American survived a grueling three-set encounter, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(4), to advance to the finals.

Against Lim, Papa displayed poise and consistency from the baseline. He secured the crucial break in the fifth game of the opening set and protected the advantage with steady serving and composed shot-making. Lim threatened late in the set, but Papa responded with three straight points to seal the opener.

The second set remained tightly contested until the ninth game, when Papa broke Lim anew with a series of aggressive winners for a 5-4 lead. Serving for the championship, Papa held his nerve in a tense final game, eventually clinching the title with consecutive winners.

The singles championship came less than 24 hours after Papa teamed up with doubles veteran Casey Alcantara to capture the men’s doubles title following a victory over Eric Jed Olivarez and Nilo Ledama.

Madis, for her part, continued her remarkable rise after dominating Kaye-Ann Emana, 6-0, 6-1, in the semifinals. She carried that momentum into the finals, overcoming an early exchange of breaks before taking control of the opening set.

The second set turned into a dramatic battle of nerves as Madis squandered a 3-1 lead and later found herself trailing 5-6 after Capadocia fought back strongly. Refusing to fold under pressure, the teenager forced a tiebreak and relied on her solid baseline game, sharp returns, and composure to finish off the veteran in straight sets.

Adding to her memorable campaign, Madis also ruled the women’s doubles event earlier in the tournament alongside Stefi Aludo. The pair dominated sisters Kaye-Ann and Mica Emana, 6-0, 6-2, to complete a flawless championship run.

Held from May 21 to 31, the tournament brought together top local and international players in a showcase of elite-level competition, sportsmanship, and athletic excellence. The event attracted athletes, coaches, tennis enthusiasts, and supporters from across the Philippines and abroad, further strengthening the sport's profile on both regional and international stages.

More than just a competition, the Palawan Open served as a celebration of tennis development, providing opportunities for rising stars and seasoned campaigners to compete at the highest level while inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes.

Leading the initiative was the Palawan Group of Companies, which continues to champion grassroots sports development and holistic wellness through meaningful investments in Philippine sports.

"As a firm believer in Filipino talent, our commitment in the Palawan Group is this: we will continue to support the growth of tennis in the Philippines. We will continue to champion grassroots development and support the journey of our future world tennis champions. Because at Palawan Tennis, that is what we do: We develop champions," said Bernard Kaibigan, Chief Marketing Officer of the Palawan Group of Companies, delivering the message on behalf of Chairman and Founder Bobby L. Castro.

The tournament culminated with a series of exciting championship matches across several divisions.

In the Women's Singles category, Cotabato's Tennielle Madis captured the title after overcoming Marian Capadocia in a hard-fought final. Fil-American standout Christopher Papa claimed the Men's Singles crown with a victory over veteran AJ Lim.

Papa further showcased his versatility in the Men's Doubles event, teaming up with Francis Casey Alcantara to defeat Eric Jed Olivarez and Nilo Ledama, 7-6, 6-3.

Madis also completed a dominant campaign in the Women's Doubles division, partnering with Stefi Marithe Aludo to overwhelm sisters Kaye-Ann and Mica Emana, 6-0, 6-2.

Meanwhile, Alcantara and Capadocia secured the Mixed Doubles championship after surviving a thrilling contest against Madis and Ronard Joven, prevailing 6-2, 4-6, 16-14 in one of the tournament's most memorable matches.

Beyond the action on the courts, the Palawan Group enhanced the overall fan experience through interactive booths that showcased its growing ecosystem of financial services. Visitors had the opportunity to explore innovative digital solutions and accessible remittance services designed to empower Filipinos in their daily financial transactions.

The tournament concluded with a festive closing ceremony and awards presentation honoring the champions and finalists. Players, coaches, and supporters gathered in celebration of the camaraderie, determination, and competitive spirit that defined the event from start to finish.

With increased participation, stronger competition, and sustained support from key stakeholders, the Palawan Open continues to establish itself as a cornerstone event in the Philippine sporting calendar. Its success underscores the power of sports to unite communities, nurture future champions, and elevate Philippine tennis to greater heights.

The Palawan Open 2026 was presented by Gentry Timepieces in cooperation with the Philippine Sports Commission and was sanctioned by Philta and the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR).