Cebuana, Olivarez seal interclub title showdown

MANILA, Philippines - Cebuana Lhuillier posted a second straight shutout win, this time blanking Team Sports Scholarship Program, 7-0, to arrange a title showdown with Team Olivarez in the Invitational Interclub tennis team championship at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat yesterday.

Romy Chan and Totoy Alina defeated Boy Paller and Auge Armillo, 8-0, while Jean Henri Lhuillier and Jun Toledo also scored an 8-0 rout of Jun Orquina and Robert Castro to lead Cebuana Lhuillier’s lopsided victory.

Other winners for the team, which also routed College Country Club, 7-0, and Villamor Tennis Club, 6-1, were Jacky Tomacruz-Gilbert Estrada, Manuel Suarez-Jojo Miranda and Manny Capulong-Jun Frias.

Team Olivarez, meanwhile, also dominated Team SSP, 6-1, to clinch the other berth in the tournament serving as a side event in the third Olivarez Cup presented by Palawan Pawnshop and held in honor of former Parañaque mayor Dr. Pablo Olivarez.

“This is going to be an exciting final. Both teams boast of good players and reliable support cast,” said Philta president and Rep. Edwin Olivarez.

Pablo Olivarez teamed up with Joseph Arcilla to edge Tim and Kim Polero, 8-6; Arvin Ruel and Karl Santamaria held off Inigo Caguiron and Delmer Miranda, 8-4; Pio Tolentino and Aldrin Geluz repulsed Torrecampo and Jeff Lee, 8-5; Allan Hermano and Sandel Daez outlasted Frank Paguyo and Noel Polero, 8-6; Eva Olivarez-Ilas and Anna Cadiz trounced Aica Pacana and Ruby Alingalan, 8-1; and Annie dela Peña and Rina Caniza dominated Michelle Mendoza and Lye Limjuco, 8-1.

Meanwhile, top seed Johnny Arcilla and Vicente Anasta clobbered Bobby Labrador and Expedito Lim Jr., 6-1, 6-3, to lead the quarterfinalists in the men’s doubles of the Olivarez Cup. They gun for a semis seat against Radharani Reyes and Kristian Tenorio, who turned back Joel Cabusas and Francis Patino, 2-6, 6-4, 10-8.

Second seed Ronard Joven and Leander Lazaro also advanced with a walkover win and will next face Michael Madrio and Fritz Verdad, who downed Chat Conta and Arnold Rodriguez, 6-2, 6-2.