Zamora cops 2 badminton plums; QC tankers reign

MANILA, Philippines - Niña Carmela Zamora swept the girls badminton crowns and clinched a berth in the national finals even as Quezon City continued its domination in swimming in the penultimate day of the National Capital Region elimination of the Batang Pinoy in various venues in Makati City yesterday.

Zamora, 13, a second year high school student at the St. Scholastica College-Manila, overwhelmed Judy Arellano, 21-8, 21-5, to claim the girls badminton singles title. She then teamed up with Nenita Romero in disposing of Judy Arevalo and Dizenzy Santos, 21-10, 21-5, for the doubles title at the Zone.   

“It’s a challenging experience and I’m so happy that I made it to the national finals. It’s a dream come true,” said Zamora, who won a bronze as a six grader campaigner in 2009 Palarong Pambansa.

Zamora also thanked her family and backers Makati Mayor Jun Jun Binay, Prima and Alex Lim for their continued support.

“Without their support, I don’t think I could make it here. I motivate myself thinking that my family and my friends are always there cheering and praying for my success,” said Zamora, currently the No. 5 junior player based on the current Philippine Badminton Ranking System (PBaRS) of the Philippine Badminton Association.

Haniel Cagampan of Marikina claimed the boys’ single crown, defeating Kevin Fabro, 21-14, 21-14, while the duo of Carl Canofin and Jonhbert Mateo took the boys’ double plum.

Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Chito Loyzaga awarded the medals and certificates to the winners and all participants in the four-day event organized by the PSC.

Over at the Makati Aquatics Center, the Quezon City tankers asserted their supremacy against the Manila and Makati bets, winning six of eight gold medals disputed.

Alberto Batungbakal and Baron Ong scored a golden double each with the 14-year-old Batungbakal ruling the boys 200m individual medley in 2:27.37 and 50-m breaststroke in 34.37 seconds. Ong, 13, likewise won the boys 200m IM in 2:39.57 and 100m free in 1:02.77.

The QC tankers also won the boys and girls 200m free relay with times of 2:19.12 and 2:32.40, respectively.

Manila’s Christine Mendoza and Claire Galang stopped QC’s domination with victories in 200m IM (2:39.57) and 200m IM for 12-13 class (2:45.62).