Baran, Atienza Win Inaugural Araw ng Dabaw Beach Ping Pong Tournament

Ghinlou Baran's comeback story headlined the inaugural beach ping pong competition at Davao City's 89th Araw ng Dabaw celebrations, with the returning veteran capturing the women's singles title at Dagat Fiesta Beach Resort when the two-day tournament concluded on March 8.

Baran overcame runners-up Leila Roble and Deive Pongase to claim the gold, but the victory carried extra weight given the circumstances surrounding her preparation. "Akong preparation for the tournament is I went to training again after several months of hiatus sa table tennis," Baran said after her win. She had credited a week of intensive practice and her coach's encouragement for getting her back up to speed. "Winning the tournament is an honor every time I compete, but most of all, I just enjoy playing beach ping pong."

In the men's open singles, Pee Jay Atienza topped Lapoy Custudio and Gil Ablanque to take the title, while Edward Saldaña claimed the men's singles class B crown. The tournament also put a spotlight on two of the more compelling divisions of the day. Jobert Lumanta captured the PWD Singles crown, edging out Domingo Liquin, in a result that underscored the inclusive character the Beach Ping Pong Association of the Philippines built into the event from its very first staging. In the 15-and-under Singles, 15-year-old Juliana Shane Retaga took first place ahead of Moneyah Mary Blair Nunez in second and Richbill Nuñez in third.

Style had a place in the competition as well. Dominic Lacambra and Leila Jocell Roble were recognized as the best-dressed players in the men's and women's beach ping pong attire categories respectively, adding a festival dimension to the competitive program.

Organized by the Beach Ping Pong Association of the Philippines, the tournament adapted standard table tennis for sand play across five divisions, and its placement within the Araw ng Dabaw program gave Davao City's growing sports scene a prominent showcase during one of the region's most celebrated civic occasions.