But other top Cebuano netters crash out of Cebuana Lhuillier Men’s Open tennis

Francis Largo is the first homegrown talent to reach the second round of the Cebuana Lhuillier Men’s Open Tennis Championships yesterday at the Baseline Sports and Recreation Center tennis courts.

Largo felt he was lucky playing without socks as he pulled away a 6-3, 6-2 win against Jandrick de Castro.

Some spectators offered Largo a new pair of socks if he wins that game, but the Palarong Pambansa gold medallist is thinking of not wearing socks again when he plays seeded No.8 Ralph Kevin Barte today.

Barte was the villain in booting out the other Cebuano favorite Michael  Quiñones via a 6-1, 6-0 rout.

Kennex Abadia, the third well-known Cebuano netter, also proceeded into the exit after losing to Pablo Olivarez III, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in their grueling match that lasted for three hours.

On the other hand, tournament topseed Johnny Arcilla shrugged off a pulled hamstring to demolish Antonio Sagansay, 6-3, 6-3. Arcilla will face next Ronald Joven, who advanced after posting a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 victory over Gilbert Estrada.

Seeded No.4 Yannick Guba gave Nino Alcantara a neat lesson in tennis,  6-1, 6-1, while the ageless Jessie Lapore kicked out Joseph Arcilla, 7-5, 6-2. Seeded No.5 Elbert Anasta also joined the winners’ podium with a 6-3, 6-2 thrashing of Leander Lazaro.

Meanwhile, the doubles action will commence this afternoon along with the second round of the singles event.

One of the most anticipated matches today is that of the country’s top doubles player, Jun Toledo, who will pair up with event backer Jean Henri Lhuillier. They will take on Lapore and Randy Villanueva.