Morgan, Lagac rap rivals in Coke netfest

SUBIC — San Sebastian coach Frederick Morgan and Cebuano standout Ricardo Lagac, Jr. scored hard-earned victories Wednesday night to lead the first-round winners in the second Coca-Cola National Open Tennis Championships at the Subic International Sports and Tennis Center indoor courts here.

The 14th-ranked Morgan, who steered the Stags to the NCAA title early this year, downed 2002 UAAP MVP Gabby Remigio, 6-4, 7-6 (5), to forge a second-round meeting with Michael Basco, who survived Francis Factura, 6-2, 6-7, 7-5.

Lagac, the No. 15 seed who ousted Pop Sabandon in the first round of the Mandaue Open two weeks ago, outlasted RP Junior Davis Cup team member and San Beda player Nestor Celestino Jr., 7-6 (3), 6-7 (6), 6-3 to advance against La Salle player Chase Tinio, a 6-2, 6-2, winner over Conrado Amita.

Unseeded Joel Palao of Iligan City struggled past Chiemil Mantua, 6-4, 6-7 (1), 6-1, to advance against La Salle-Greenhills player Raymond Villarete, who together with Juvan Divinagracia, Martin Misa, Roland Kraut, Raymundo Lopez, Patrick John Tierro and Rolly Anasta, won by default.<