Zacarias, Cosio advance

MANILA, Philippines — National junior standout Ron Ezekiel Zacarias showcased his composure to advance to the men’s U19 singles Round of 32, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Chen Yu Lin, 21-15, 21-16, in the inaugural Philippine Junior International Series, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, yesterday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong.

The 18-year-old shuttler mounted an impressive comeback in the second game, erasing a 1-9 deficit before taking an 11-9 lead en route to securing his place in the next round of the tournament.

On the other side of the draw, Axl Cosio enjoyed a memorable international debut after defeating Maldives’ Mohamed Aydhin Anwar, 21-12, 21-15.