Clarke dominates Dagitab Festival netfest with 3 victories


At a glance

  • Camiguin’s Zita Zeena Clarke achieved a rare feat at the Dagitab Festival National Junior Championships in Cebu, clinching three titles in the girls’ singles categories at the City of Naga courts over the weekend.


Camiguin’s Zita Zeena Clarke achieved a rare feat at the Dagitab Festival National Junior Championships in Cebu, clinching three titles in the girls’ singles categories at the City of Naga courts over the weekend.

The 14-year-old rising star, ranked No. 3 in her age division, displayed remarkable skill and resilience to solidify her status as one of the Philippines' top tennis prospects.

She overcame top-seed Etha Seno with a hard-fought 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory in the semifinals before defeating her sister, Seanna Clarke, 6-0, 6-2, in the finals of the weeklong tournament presented by Dunlop.

She went on to dominate in the higher age groups, overpowering Francine Wong, 6-0, 6-1, for the 16-and-under crown, and routing Janeel Indoc, 6-1, 6-1, for the 18-and-U title, completing her stellar campaign in the Group 2 tournament, part of the country’s longest talent-search initiated by Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.

Juvels Velos of Danao City, on the other hand, proved his mettle in the boys’ categories, claiming MVP honors alongside Clarke. He clinched the 16-and-U title in a tough match against Anthony Espinosa, 5-7, 6-4, 6-0, before stunning top-seeded RB John Lataza, 6-0, 2-6, 6-3, to secure the 18-and-U crown.

Unranked Anthony Espinosa from Bogo City, meanwhile, delivered a standout performance by defeating fourth seed James Estrella, 6-3, 6-3, to claim the 14-and-U trophy. Estrella earlier emerged victorious in the 12-and-U category, overcoming top seed Pete Niere, 6-1, 6-4.

In the girls’ division, Seno claimed the 12-and-U title after a marathon 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-1 win against Francine Wong. In the 10-and-U unisex division, Enzo Niere of Bogo City outclassed Dale Diamante, 4-2, 4-1, in the tournament sanctioned by Philta and supported by Universal Tennis Rankings and ICON Golf & Sports.