Lagman, Kinaadman gain in Olivarez Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Wild card Jacob Lagman and qualifier Joshua Kinaadman came away with big victories over their respective seeded rivals to barge into the third round of the men’s Open singles of the sixth Olivarez Cup Tennis Championship at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque yesterday.

Lagman, one of the rising stars from Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City, pulled off a 6-1, 1-0 (ret.) win over No. 9 Arcie Mano in the upper bracket while Cebu find Kinaadman shocked No. 11 Stefan Suarez, 6-4, 6-3, in the lower half of the draw of the premier class which features the country’s top players, headed by top seed PJ Tierro and Johnny Arcilla.

The second seeded Arcilla, who drew a first round bye, routed Betto Orendain, 6-0, 6-0, to advance to the Last 16 while Tierro was playing Joseph Arcilla at presstime, hoping for a win and a third round clash with No. 14 Deo Talatayod, who held off Kennex Abadia, 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4, in the tournament presented by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala.

Others who advanced in the event backed by Dunlop AllClay Court as the official ball, Stronghold Insurance and Aseana City were No. 8 Bryan Otico, who scored a walkover win over Leander Lazaro; No. 10 Arvin Ruel, who took a 7-5, 4-1 (ret.) win over Kyle Parpan; and another wild card by fancied Casey Alcantara, who scored a 3-1 (ret.) win over No. 13 Kim Saraza.

“We expect more reversals as the tournament progresses and continue to discover fresh talents,” said Philta president and Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, who also cited Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro’s continued support to the annual event.