Yñigo Ballesteros wasn't made for the simple corners of a room in the 3rd Floor of St. Joseph Building; he was meant for a bigger stage—a fiercer battleground.

As the 7th Grader Prodigy comfortably made his way to the finals, no one else could battle him for the crown except his partner in doubles, Lance Vargas, at the High School Boys Table Tennis championship of the Intramurals 2025, held September 11.

Despite being in the youngest bracket, the duo slipped past their opponents in swift fashion until it all came down to facing one another.

No one was a match for Ballesteros, who, without sweat, won all his games, 3-0. The most effort he had to put in was in going easy on everyone else. 

Even without looking and while using his non-dominant hand, his failed trick shot attempts were the only way a foe—if it would even be considered as one—could at least taste a point against the hungry freshman.

Vargas, who ultimately bowed to his partner, still displayed the heavy contrast of his skills against his seniors.

In an earlier match, Vargas faced Ivan Villanueva for the semifinals, finishing in a strong 3-1. His pimpled rubbers gained him an extra advantage.

Although Villanueva knew how to counter the attacks of his young foe with backspin returns, Vargas still managed to deflect each one.

Long rallies also became the 12th Grader’s weakness—as he became tense in the most heart-pounding parts of the match.

Experience became the winning attribute of the two freshmen, carrying in gold medals from last year’s SigLaro and BaCiPriSA, but only one could stay on top of the ladder.