BREAKTHROUGH RIGHT ON CUE

Q If 2025 were a chapter in a book, what would its title be and why?

- 

Silviana Lu with the Reyes Cup in 2024. While he bagged 10 titles last year, his biggest win is on the personal front after a successful marriage proposal.

(PHOTO: COURTESY OF ALOYSIUS YAPP)

A I will call it Breakthrough.I had a lot of ups and downs in 2024, and I didn't play so well that year. I went into 2025 with new equipment and a different mindset. I wasn't too hard on myself and went into the year trying to regain my confidence and improve in many areas. And I managed to accomplish all these things.

Q You sure did, and more, winning 10 national and international titles for your most prolific season yet. What's different when you're at your best?

A I'm definitely more relaxed and confident.

I remember playing some matches and not thinking I was going to miss. My mind was just so clear. I felt the confidence building up in the knockout stage of the UK Open in May (he beat Spain's Jonas Souto 13-1 in the final), and from then on, I felt I played well throughout the Florida Open.

Q Was there a moment in 2025 when you realised you were at a level you'd never seen before?