MANILA, Philippines - Jurence Mendoza stunned third seed Patrick John Tierro, 6-3, 6-4, to barge into the quarterfinal round of the men’s singles in the first Olivarez-Philta Open Tennis Championship at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat.
The 15-year-old Mendoza from Olongapo City relied on his big serves and forehand winners to topple the veteran Tierro in straight sets.
Mendoza, a member of the Philippine junior Davis Cup team, goes for a semis berth against Ralph Kevin Barte.
The sixth ranked Barte cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 win over Joshua Tan Ho in the tournament backed by Dunlop and sanctioned by the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta) headed by Rep. Edwin Olivarez Jr.
Others who advanced were top seed Johnny Arcilla and No. 2 Elbert Anasta, who beat Antonio Sagansay III, 6-3, 6-0, and Arvin Ruel, 6-4, 6-3, respectively.
Other quarterfinalists are Joseph Victorino, Ronard Joven, Rolando Ruel Jr. and Celestino Solon.
Victorino defeated Mark Anthony Alcoseba, 6-4, 6-2; Joven repulsed Alexander Lazaro, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1; Ruel trounced Pablo Olivarez II, 6-4, 6-1; and Solon overpowered Kim Ivor Saraza, 6-3, 6-1.
In men’s doubles, Arcilla and Tierro ousted Rollie Anasta and Betto Orendain, 6-4, 6-0, while Elbert Anasta and Olivarez held off Joshua Miranda and Dennis Vitalliano, 6-3, 7-6 (3).
Russel Arcilla Sr. and Russel Arcilla Jr. shocked Lazaro and Ruel with a 6-3, 6-3 victory.