Arcilla, Tierro lead quarterfinalists

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champion Johnny Arcilla and Patrick John Tierro chalked up contrasting victories to lead the cast of quarterfinalists in the 3rd Cebuana Lhuillier Men’s Open Tennis Tournament at Baseline Sports and Recreation Center yesterday.

Arcilla motored into the last round of eight after wiping out Arcie Maño, 6-2, 6-1, while the third seed Tierro surprisingly had a hard time before terminating the very game Kim Ivor Saraza.

Arcilla will face next the sixth-ranked Ronald Joven, while Tierro will take on  Alexander Lazaro in the next stage of the competition.

Joven kept his title hunt in motion with a 6-0, 6-2 shellacking of Michael Mantua, while Lazaro advanced after ousting Juvan Divinagracia, 6-1, 6-3.

The two other quarterfinal matches will be disputed by fourth seed Rolando Ruel versus fifth seed Ralph Kevin Barte and the seventh-ranked Rocky Pagalunan against the second seed Elbert Anasta.

Ruel marched forward with a 6-1, 7-5 whipping of Kenneth Salvo, Barte elbowed out Gilbert Estrada, 6-4, 6-1, while Anasta rolled on following a 6-2, 6-3 triumph over Mario Sabas.

And as the highly-fancied visitors sustained their sizzling run, Cebu’s hometown pride stayed ice-cold.

Edwin Bacarisas was bundled out by Arcilla, 61-62, while Ruel eliminated Amiel Aya-ay, 6-0. 6-1. Thus, Bacarisas and Aya-ay joined the likes of Niño Siso, Israel Abarquez and Kennex Abadia into the showers.

Aside from the quarterfinal round of the men’s open and the men’s doubles, today will also be the start of the seniors division featuring two age brackets instead of three, the 35-above and 40-above.   (FREEMAN NEWS)