Mark Anthony Alcoseba Secures Victory at 89th Araw ng Dabaw Tennis Championships
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, veteran Dabawenyo player Mark Anthony Alcoseba emerged victorious in the men's singles final at the 89th Araw ng Dabaw Tennis Championships. Held at the GSIS Heights Tennis Club in Matina, the tournament saw Alcoseba defeat fellow local competitor Michael Mesa with a score of 2-1, after Mesa retired in the decisive match.
A Comeback Journey Fueled by Discipline
Alcoseba, a Southeast Asian (SEA) Games soft tennis team medalist, navigated a challenging 32-man draw with precision and consistency. His path to the title included dominant wins over Jay Malinao (8-1) and Ian Xendrick Gayem (8-1), a walkover against DannLloyd Luzon, and a commanding 8-3 semifinal victory against Jobert Antonio.
Reflecting on his success, Alcoseba shared in an interview with SunStar Davao, "I hadn't played in Davao for a while, and I was a bit worried because my opponents are younger. I didn't expect to win, but discipline in the game really helped me achieve my goal." He emphasized the sport's role in fostering discipline and character, particularly among youth, noting that tennis keeps players away from vices and instills self-control. Alcoseba is now passing on these values by guiding his children to develop their skills in the sport.
Mesa's Resilience and Doubles Success
Michael Mesa demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament, reaching the singles final after eliminating Roland Linga-on (8-4), Bench Clayton Neri (8-4), and Roberto Antonio (9-8) in the preliminaries, followed by a semifinal win over Daniel Calatrava (8-3). Despite the loss in singles, Mesa bounced back in the Pro-Am doubles division, teaming up with Jay Malinao to secure the championship.
The Mesa-Malinao duo edged out B. Ali and J. Comendador with a tight 8-7 (10-6) victory in the final match. Their journey to the title included convincing wins over J. De Castro and G. Huinda (8-1), J. Sumaylo and L. Julom (8-2), and a semifinal triumph against T. Roldan and R. Antonio.
Showcasing Local Talent and Future Events
The Araw ng Dabaw Tennis Championships, a key event in the city's sports calendar, highlighted the depth of local tennis talent and set the stage for upcoming competitions. The tournament not only celebrated athletic excellence but also reinforced the community's passion for the sport.
Looking ahead, Davao City is set to host the Soft Tennis Junior Tournament from March 27 to 31, alongside an officiating seminar and clinic organized by the Philippine Soft Tennis Association on March 28–29. These events promise to further nurture young athletes and promote tennis development in the region.
