Otico, Olivarez fashion out PPS Dagitab reversals

MANILA, Philippines — Bryan Otico continued to dish out top form and toppled No. 5 Fritz Verdad while Eric Jed Olivarez bundled out No. 7 Vicente Anasta to barge into the quarterfinal round of the PPS-PEPP Dagitab Tennis Festival Open at the City of Naga tennis courts in Naga City, Cebu yesterday.

Otico, who surprised veteran PJ Tierro in the recent PCA Open finals, eased past fellow unseeded bet Jan Seno, 6-4, 6-3, in the first round then outlasted Verdad in the tiebreaker, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(5), to arrange a Last 8 duel with fancied Jeson Patrombon.

The second seeded Patrombon dropped just three games to oust Jhun Alcoseba, 6-1, 6-1, and Jimmy Tangalin, 6-0, 6-1, and join No. 1 Johnny Arcilla, Tierro, No. 6 Ronard Joven and fourth seed Leander Lazaro in the quarters of the season-ending Open tournament sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop and the LGUs of Naga City led by Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong.

Arthur Pantino also upended No. 8 Noel Damian Jr. but will have Tierro, who advanced with a 6-3, 1-0 (ret.) win over Mari Altiche, as quarters opponent.

Olivarez, meanwhile, opened with a shutout win over RJ Alforque, then stunned Anasta, 6-4, 6-4. The Western Michigan U mainstay, however, needs to hurdle the back-to-back champion Arcilla to reach the semis of the event.