Conta, Suarez reach Olivarez Cup Last 16

MANILA, Philippines - Qualifier Chat Conta and Stefan Suarez stunned their respective seeded rivals to join the big guns in the Last 16 phase of the fifth Olivarez Cup Open Tennis Championship’s men’s Open singles at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat late Monday.

Conta dominated No. 16 RK Barte in the decider and came away with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 victory while Suarez subdued No. 12 Deo Talatayod, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, in the lower half of the draw in the premier side of the annual event presented by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Padala and sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association with Technifibre as the official ball.

Also moving into the Last 16 were No. 14 Fritz Verdad, who eased out Radharani Reyes, 6-1, 6-1; No. 10 Arcie Mano, who survived Justine Prulla, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(3); No. 8 Kim Saraza, who repulsed Kristian Tesorio, 6-3, 3-6. 6-1; No. 9 Lance Canizarez, who held off Alberto Villamor, 7-5, 6-4; No. 11 Calvin Canlas, who dominated wild card Romel Openiano, 6-2, 6-1; No. 15 Arvin Ruel who trounced qualifier Hakeem Cariga, 6-4, 6-3; and No. 13 Arc Dolorito who scored a walkover win over Marcen Gonzales.

“Conta and Suarez’s reversals and the number of matches that went through three sets further underscored the level of playing field and the emergence of new stars,” said Philta president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, who also cited Palawan Pawnshop’s continuing commitment to help promote and support the sport.

“The Olivarez Cup is part of our long-term commitment to promote the sport as one of the primary focus of our corporate social responsibility,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro, also the president PPS-PEPS.

Third seed Khim Iglupas, meantime, overpowered Aimea Rosales, 6-1, 6-0, to lead the early winners in the ladies Open singles of the event also held in honor of Dr. Pablo Olivarez, one of the founding fathers of Philippines tennis, on his 80th birthday.

Others who advanced to the second round were seventh seed Marinel Rudas, who trampled Goldie Nagret, 6-0, 6-3; Ma. Dominique Ong, who beat Anna Bienes, 6-1, 6-1; Akiko de Guzman, who turned back Chloe Saraza, 6-4, 7-6(4); Jzash Canja, who whipped Joanna Tan, 6-4, 6-2; and No. 6 Christine Patrimonio, who won by default over Coleen Sioson.

Also tipped to join Iglupas, Rudas and the rest in the next phase of the event serving as part of the Palawan Pawnshop circuit which also caps the four-in-one tournament that included the age-grouper, the interclub and the inter-college team championship, are top seed Clarice Patrimonio, No. 2 Edilyn Balanga, fourth seed Maia Balce and No. 5 Hannah Espinosa.