Eve Bejasa of the Philippines in action in the Philippine Junior International Series, August 5, 2026 at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong. Handout/PBAD
MANILA -- National junior team standout Eve Bejasa is off to the round-of-16 of the under-19 singles after a 21-11, 21-11 win over compatriot Nica Gulpany on the second day of the inaugural Philippine Junior International Series.
The 17-year-old Bejesa needed only 21 minutes to secure the win on Wednesday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong.
"I thought nung una, kasi I’m not feeling well, so, parang mga 50–50 po 'yung laro ko, pero I did my best po kaya 'yung lumalabas," said Bejasa.
With another match ahead, Bejasa hopes to continue delivering for the Philippines in the tournament, which has attracted young shuttlers from more than 30 countries.
"Actually, nakakaproud po knowing na tayo na po ang nag-host ngayon. It’s a big pride po sa 'min, kaya as much as possible kami, mga junior national team po, nagtatry po kami ng best namin na makapanalo," she said.
Bejasa will next face Canada's Althia Bedi for a place in the quarterfinals. Bedi outlasted the Philippines' Imari Dawn Jimenez in three games, 21–16, 17–21, 21–19.
Joining Bejasa in the quarterfinal hunt are Christel Fuentespina and Ma. Nicole Notorio, who both registered impressive victories.
Fuentespina, another national junior team standout, overwhelmed compatriot Zoe Driz, 21–5, 21–4, while Notorio defeated Thailand's Montra Sae Jiew, 21–14, 21–17.
In the girls' under-15 division, Alexzandria Gail Noceja also booked her place in the Round of 16 after a commanding 21–7, 21–11 victory over compatriot Alyzha Marabulas.
Noceja will face India's Kyra Raina, who defeated the Philippines' Kathlyn Ocampo, 21–4, 21–11, for a quarterfinal berth.
Jaleesa Condez also advanced to the second round after edging Maldives' Ahmed Mahloof Laiba in a tightly contested match, 22–20, 22–20.
On the boys' side of the under-15 division, Carlitos Joe Corrales put up a fight against Malaysia's Yin Jie Wong but bowed out after a 10–21, 21–23, 15–21 second-round loss.