Dizon, Cariga brods shine in Kadayawan netfest

ATENEO de Davao University netter Jenni Celine Dizon along with Cariga brothers, Abdul Hanan and Hakeem, bagged titles at the close of the Mayor Inday Sara and Vice Mayor Rody Duterte Kadayawan Age-Group Tennis Championships on Monday at the Woodridge Park & Country Club.

Dizon, a So Kim Cheng Sports awardee, lived up to her billing by spanking Dianne Caballero of Midsayap, North Cotabato, 6-1, 6-1, in their girls 16-under finals clash.

Abdul Hanan, for his part, survived a 6-4, 6-4 win over Eric Comendador of Kidapawan City to pocket the 10-under unisex title while elder brother Hakeem stunned Jan Jeric Accion of Davao City 6-3,6-3 for the boys 18-under crown.

Davao Oriental's Jeleardo Amazona escaped a 6-4, 4-6 (13-11) triumph over Rolly Saga of Dangcagan Bukidnon in boys 16-under.

Unheralded Althea Bucu defeated fellow Dabawenya Angela Cansino, 6-3,6-3, to go home with the girls 18-under title.

John Bryan Otico of Maramag, Bukidnon and Sharyl delos Santos of General Santos City turned back their 14-under rivals. Otico routed Jaffary Cariga of Davao City, 6-1, 6-3, in the boys' event while delos Santos outclassed Carmela Llavore of Cagayan de Oro City, 6-4, 6-4, in the distaff side.

The 12-under titles went to Janus Ringia of Koronadal City, a 6-4, 6-3 winner over Joshua Regino of Mati City, and Carlyn Bless Guarde of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat who bested Davao City's Patricia Velez, 6-2, 4-6, 10-1.

Close to 120 entries from all over the country joined the free registration Philippine Tennis Association (Philta)-sanctioned Group 3 meet that awarded cash prizes and points to the winners.

Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office staff Aleli Saberon and Linda Gelbolingo awarded the prizes along with Slazenger representative Rex Cafirma. Slazenger was official ball of the tournament.

Philta regional vice-president Juanito Cansino Jr. thanked the event sponsor city government of Davao and the host Woodridge Park and Country Club for making the annual Kadayawan netfest a success.

Cansino, meanwhile, bared that it's all systems go for the Dunlop-Atty. Palasan Mindanao Junior Tennis Series slated August 25 and 27 at the Nazareth Tennis Courts in Cagayan de Oro City. Deadline of registration is set at 12 noon today. For registration, text entries to mobile number (0908) 743-2405.