Moncera enters Philta 16-under quarterfinals

Olongapo City bet Leyan Moncera outplayed Rodel Navarro, 7-6 (5), 6-0, yesterday to reach the boys’ 16-under quarterfinals of the TMS Ships Agencies-Philta Classic at the Villa Gloria Tennis Club outdoor courts in Angeles City.

The 13-year-old Moncera, a freshman at the Regional Science High School in Subic, will face third seed and townmate Nico Riego de Dios.

Moncera, seeded fourth in the 14-under class, defeated Ryan Daza, 6-0. 6-1, to forge a quarterfinal showdown with Ilocos Norte’s Patrick Arevalo, a 6-1, 6-3 winner over Ivan Joshua Manalo.

Ateneo’s Christian Canlas and Daniel Luis Macalino, and Lourdes School-Mandaluyong’s Gerard Michael Ngo also earned quarterfinal berths in this two-weekend event supported by Dunlop balls.

The top-ranked Canlas outclassed Paolo Sison, 6-0, 6-0, to advance against local Alvin Manalastas, a 6-0, 6-1 winner over Ahul Tayag.

Macalino clobbered Joshua Bacani, 6-2, 6-1, to advance against Daniel Bautista, who scored a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Bryan Cura.

Ngo whipped Riel Floreza, 6-0, 6-0, to advance against Rodel Navarro, who survived Akio Sy, 7-5, 3-6, 6-2.

Booking quarterfinal slots in the boys’ 12-under class were Roman Floreza, who beat Nicolo Tayag, 6-3, 6-4, and Pocholo Macalino, a 6-1, 6-2 winner over John Allan Quinatadcan.

In the girls’ 14-under division, second seed Julie Em Botor downed Martina Rivero, 6-3, 6-2, No. 4 Trudy Amoranto outplayed Irina Quinatadcan, 6-1, 6-3, and Dianne Bautista waylaid Judie Em Botor, 6-1, 6-1.

Meanwhile, players who wish to enter the boys’ and girls’ 18-under divisions may register with Jun Cuarto at Villa Gloria Tennis Club 9045-8886449) or the Philta office (tel. 525-6434). Deadline of entry is on Feb. 1 at 8 a.m.