Tiero, Arcilla advance in Cebuana Lhuillier tennis

CEBU, Philippines – RP’s top-ranked netter Patrick John Tiero opened his title retention bid with a 6-3, 6-1 whipping of Leander Lazaro at the start of the 2nd Cebuana Lhuillier Men’s Open Tennis Tournament yesterday at the Baseline tennis courts.

Johnny Arcilla, Tiero’s chief rival and the tournament’s second seed, also kicked off his campaign in resounding fashion, hacking out a decisive 6-2, 6-4 victory over James Dumoran, 6-2, 6-4.

Cebu’s Jaime Solon, on the other hand, routed Rollyto Litang, 7-6, 2-0 (ret), while Mario Sabas thumped the Manila-based Mark Balse, 6-1, 6-0.

Francis Niño Alcantara, the Australian Junior doubles champion and the first Filipino to win a grand slam event, made his presence felt by thrashing former junior standout Christian Tiongko, 6-0, 6-1.

Several other Cebuanos crashed out in the first round of the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (PHILTA) Group B-sanctioned event.

Francis Largo bowed to Ronard Joven, 2-6, 2-6 while Oswaldo Dumoran Jr., fell prey to Michael Magpua, 3-6, 5-7.

A total of P204, 000 in cash prize is at stake for the top performers. The champion in the men’s singles will take home P40, 000, while the champion in the doubles category will pocket P20, 000. — Marigold P. Lebumfacil (THE FREEMAN)