MANILA, Philippines - Elbert Anasta leaned on his big serves and big fighting heart to stun fancied Fil-Am Treat Huey, carving out a stirring 6-4, 7-6 (10-8) victory to crash into the semifinal round of the PCA Open Tennis Championships Presented by Cebuana Lhuillier in Paco, Manila yesterday.
Anasta, coming off victories in Singapore and the Philta-Olivarez Open recently, surprised Huey with his superb all-around game, including service winners and gritty returns that anchored his improbable victory in the men’s singles at the PCA clayshell courts.
“I remained confident and didn’t hold back,” said the 30-year-old Anasta in Filipino who broke Huey’s serve in the seventh game to take the first set.
They slugged it out in a grueling second set duel that had Huey, an ATP regular and doubles No. 35 in the world, surviving one match point before succumbing to the power-hitting Philippine Army enlisted personnel.
The win sent the three-time member of the Phl Davis Cup team to only his second PCA Open semis ever against second seed Fil-Am Ruben Gonzales, who blasted Jeson Patrombon, 6-2, 6-2, in the other quarterfinal.
Top seed Mark Sieber overpowered young Jurence Mendoza, 6-1, 6-2, to arrange the other Final Four clash with Johnny Arcilla, who turned back PJ Tierro, 6-2, 2-6, 6-3.
In women’s play, defending champion Marian Jade Capadocia disposed of Hannah Espinosa, 6-3, 6-1, to set up a semis showdown with Clarice Patrimonio, who wore down Fil-Am Toby Miclat, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Fil-German top seed Katharina Lehnert also reached the semis with a convincing 6-1, 6-0 romp over Alyssa Labay, 6-1, 6-0.
She will take on Rachelle de Guzman, who held off Aileen Rogan, 6-2, 6-4, in the event sponsored by Kia, Dunlop, Head, Babolat, Whirlpool, PCSO and PVL Restaurants.