MANILA, Philippines — 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.