Joven, Altiche reach PPS TunaFest Open

MANILA, Philippines – Fourth seed Ronard Joven and No. 7 John Altiche came away with a pair of straight-set victories to nail the first two berths in the quarterfinals of the men’s singles of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Tuna Festival Open Tennis Championship at the Gen. Santos City Tennis Club yesterday.

Joven routed Wilfred Bentillo, 6-2, 6-0, in the first round then trounced Michael Mesa next, 6-2, 6-2, to advance to the quarters in the upper half of the 32-player draw in the week-long tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and presented by Slazenger.

Altiche also posted a 6-2, 6-0 romp over Bruce Hurtado then survived a first-set scare against Athan Arejola to fashion out a 7-5, 6-1 triumph. He will next face the winner between second seed Patrick John Tierro and Roel Capampangan in a game being played at presstime.

Tierro is eyeing a third straight win after sweeping the two PCA Open events the last two weeks although he expects a tougher challenge this time with a slew of aces raring to foil his bid, including top seed and defending champion Johnny Arcilla, whom he swept at PCA Open.

Arcilla, who dominated the three major Open tournaments on the PPS-PEPP calendar last year, including the Dagitab Festival Open and the Pintaflores Festival Open, was slugging it out with Bong Bagonon at presstime.

Others vying for Last 8 berths in the event, backed by Asiatraders Corp., exclusive distributor of Slazenger, the official ball, are third ranked Fritz Verdad, No. 5 Leander Lazaro, sixth seed Deo Talatayod and No. 8 Bryan Otico.

Meanwhile, Clarice Patrimonio and Khim Iglupas stayed on collision course as they breezed through the quarters with ease with the former shutting out Ma. Angelica Novis, 6-0, 6-0, and the latter scoring a walkover win over Kimberly Keethler.

Third seed Hannah Espinosa routed Winona Cabardo to seal a clash with Kathleney Arandia, who won via default over Akiko De Guzman; No. 4 Frances Santiago held off Danna Abad, 7-5, 6-3.