Top seed PJ Tierro and defending champions Johnny Arcilla and Czarina Mae Arevalo made short work of their respective rivals to coast to the quarterfinals of the 2008 Philippine Columbian Associaiton Tennis Open at the PCA shell courts in Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila yesterday.
Tierro remained on track for a first-ever PCA Open crown as he trounced national team coach Cris Cuarto, 6-2, 6-3, while Arcilla slammed Mico Santiago, 6-2, 6-1, and Arevalo blasted Jennelyn Magpayo, 6-1, 6-0, to likewise stay in the hunt.
Arcilla is eyeing a fourth crown while Arevalo, on a brief break from her studies at Bangkok University, is looking for a fifth championship in the event presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and backed by The STAR.
“Coach Cris is still fit and he knows my weaknesses but I overpowered him,” said Tierro of his 30-year-old mentor.
The win set Tierro up against fifth seed Elbert Anasta, who booted out qualifier Michael Mantua, 7-5, 6-0.
Arcilla and Arevalo, on the other hand, face the winner of the match between Japanese Hiroki Katoh and No. 7 Alexander Lazaro, and the victor in the duel pitting No. 5 Bien Zoleta and qualifier Shannin Olivarez, both being played at press time, respectively.
Women’s No. 1 Bambi Zoleta likewise cruised to the next round by thumping Jasmine Tan Ho, 6-3, 6-3, to arrange a duel with either Clarice Patrimonio or No. 7 Trudy Amoranto.
No. 4 Ralph Kevin Barte, meanwhile, had to go through a wringer as he scraped past Ricardo Lagac, 5-7, 6-2, 7-5, to advance. – Joey Villar