Clarke dominates Dagitab Festival netfest

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 18U title, completing her stellar campaign in the Group 2 tournament, part of the country’s longest talent search.

Juvels Velos of Danao City, on the other hand, proved his mettle in the boys’ categories, claiming Most Valuable Player honors alongside Clarke. He clinched the 16U 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 18U 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 14U trophy. Estrella earlier emerged victorious in the 12U category, overcoming top seed Pete Niere, 6-1, 6-4.

In the girls’ division, Seno claimed the 12U title after a marathon 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-1 win against Francine Wong. 

In the 10U 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.