Hakena and Hyun claim U16 Singles title

Papua New Guinea’s junior tennis players Colita Hakena and Thomas Hyun have secured the U16 Girls’ and Boys’ singles titles following the conclusion of the 2026 KPHL PNG Junior Tennis Championships in Port Moresby.

The Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited-sponsored event saw Hakena defeat another rising talent and national teammate, Rehoni Josepha Rumbam, who finished as runner-up, while Adelaide Mesa finished third.

Hyun maintained the lead to secure the title ahead of Arthur Wash and Ivan Mera, who finished as runners-up in the U16 Boys’ singles.

Hyun also finished as runner-up with teammate Irene Jose in the Mixed Doubles, followed by Hakena and her teammate Jemimah Bakani. The winners of this category were Wash and Mera.

The PNG Tennis Association-sanctioned event saw young talents from Port Moresby, Lae and Goroka compete at the Port Moresby Racquets Club during the three-day tournament, showing determination and great sportsmanship on court.

In a social media post, the PNG Tennis Association thanked all players, parents, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters who helped make this year’s championships a success.

“We are proud to see the talent, friendships and sportsmanship developing through junior tennis, and we look forward to seeing all back on court at the next tournament,” the Tennis Association said.

Meanwhile, in the other singles divisions, the Junior Under-10 Boys’ event saw Lawrence Rumbam finish on top, while Edison Teh and Bjarne Refshauge finished second and third respectively.

The U10 Girls’ title was won by Maria Belen, with another Hakena, Hebrew-Bulang, finishing as runner-up. Kiara Tikari finished third.

In the U12 Singles, Jayce Josiah Yuill, Firenze Hanafi and Aaditya Agrawal took the medals, while the girls’ event saw Mika Tabuchi finish on top, ahead of Gima Kilaverave and Beulah Ireng in the U12 Girls’ division.

River-Jordan Hakena claimed top spot in the U14 Boys’ singles against national teammates Timothy Koliwan and Andrew Aisi, while Macklyn Meninga did the same for the U14 Girls’, securing first place over Melisa Nimi and Susan Geita.

In the other Mixed Doubles results, Aaditya Agrawal and Firenze Hanafi claimed the U12 Mixed Doubles title over Beulah Ireng and Mika Tabuchi, while Elijah Mera and Jayce Josiah Yuill finished in third place.

Aisi and Koliwan teamed up in the U14 Mixed Doubles, taking out the title against Ipai Matte and Macklyn Meninga, while River-Jordan Hakena and Matrus Pataba finished as runners-up.