Aces roll into Olivarez Cup last 16

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Johnny Arcilla and doubles partner Vicente Anasta cruised into the third round of the Olivarez Cup Open Tennis Championship presented by Palawan Pawnshop last Monday but face a pair of tough rivals for berths in the quarters at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

The top seeded Arcilla blanked qualifier Chat Conta, 6-0, 6-0, to set up duel with sibling Joseph Arcilla, who trounced Arcie Mano, 6-1, 6-1, while Anasta won by default over Alberto Villamor but will meet top junior Alberto Lim, who eased out Eric Jed Olivarez, 6-3, 6-2.

Third seed Patrick Tierro also posted a one-sided 6-1, 6-2 triumph over Jacob Lagman, so did No. 4 Marc Reyes, who beat Arc Dolorito, 6-1, 6-1; fifth seed Jason Patrombon, who bundled out Calvin Canlas, 6-3, 6-3; No. 6 Rolando Ruel Jr., who defeated Fritz Verdad, 6-4, 6-3; seventh ranked Ronard Joven, who downed Antonio Sagaysay III, 6-3, 6-2; and No. 10 Alex Lazaro, ousted Jigo Peña, 6-1, 6-0.

No. 8 Leander Lazaro and ninth seed Mark Anthony Alcoseba, on the other hand, needed to rally from first set setbacks to turn back Stefan Suarez, 4-6, 6-0, 6-2; and Romel Openiano, 5-7, 6-4, 7-6(3) and join the fancied bets in the next round of the event held in honor of Philta president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez and presented by Palawan Pawnshop.

Meanwhile, action in the ladies singles heats up today with top seed Clarice Patrimonio battling Ma. Angela Sunga and No. 2 Edilyn Balanga taking on Joanna Tan for berths in the quarterfinal round of the event sanctioned by Philta and backed by Dunlop as official ball.

Other matches pit No. 4 Alyssa Labay against Jenelyn Magpayo, fifth-ranked Hannah Grace Espinosa vs Katrina Orteza, No. 6 Maika Tanpoco against Akiki de Guzman, seventh seed Macy Gonzales vs Jella Jade Capadocia, and No. 8 Jzash Canja against Christine Patrimonio.