Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 23) — Kheith Rhynne Cruz bagged another award to her promising career as she topped the U19 girls singles of the World Table Tennis Youth Contender Puerto Princesa 2023.
Cruz defeated top seed and world youth No. 15 Sally Moyland of the US, 11-9, 8-11, 7-11, 11-6, 11-8, Sunday to win the title after winning two gold medals in the SEA Youth table tennis championships in Brunei in June.
Ray Joshua Lawrence Manlapaz, Adelle Leopoldo, Chrishien Santillan, Zachi Mhiel Chua, Emmanuel Yamson, and Matthan Jamin were the other Philippine team members who brought home medals from the competition.
The Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. handed out incentives of ₱20,000 for the gold, ₱10,000 for the silver, and ₱5,000 for the bronze for the local medalists.
The Puerto Princesa local government unit added ₱20,000 and ₱10,000 to the Filipino gold and silver medalists, respectively.
“Your presence in our city has enriched our lives, and we hope that you leave with fun memories of our warm hospitality and fond memories of our city,” Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron said.
“The friendships formed and the cultural exchanges that I am sure have taken place will leave a lasting impact extending far beyond the championship,” he added.
Puerto Princesa will host another WTT Youth Contender to be held from April 29 to May 5 next year.
