Regis rips Dela Paz, gains semis in First Gen netfest

MANILA, Philippines - Second seed Juan Fidel Regis outplayed Jamie dela Paz and cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 romp to reach the semifinal round of the boys’ 18-and-under division of the second First Gen Juntaphil Metro Age Group Tennis Championships at the Olivarez tennis courts in Sucat, Parañaque yesterday.

Regis, now the fancied bet in the premier class following the ouster of top seed Paul Magaway in the second round, dominated dela Paz with his solid game and remained in the hunt for the crown in the event sponsored by Smart Communications and presented by First Gen Corp.

He will face the winner of the Pemrick Alina-Alberto Villamor duel in the lower half of the draw while Joshua Santiago and third seed Juan Gabriel Pena booked the other semifinal berths in the upper bracket.

Santiago beat Chino Villatito, 6-4, 6-2, while Pena struggled past No.6 Ed Amor, 6-4, 0-6, 10-8.

In other results, Akiko San Pedro and Margaret Flores upset their respective seeded rivals to barge into the quarterfinal round of the 12-and-under girls class.

San Pedro overwhelmed sixth seed Kathleen Espedido, 6-1, 6-1, while Flores bested No. 5 Kyla Orillosa, 6-3, 6-0.

Not to be outdone, Ericka Mandurio likewise bundled out No. 8 Camille So, 6-2, 6-2, to set up a quarterfinal showdown with second seed Jade Capadocia.

No. 7 Colleen Sioson came out unscathed in the upset-marred day by turning back Ingrid Gonzales, 6-2, 6-4, in the event sanctioned by Philta and organized by the Junior Tennis Association of the Philippines (Juntaphil) with Wilson as official balls.

Rains spawned by Typhoon Emong rendered the Rizal Tennis Center unplayable, forcing organizers to move the games to the Olivarez covered courts.

In the 10-unisex group, top seed Mimo Tomacruz scored a walkover win over Grigory Kuznetsov to set up a semis clash with eighth-ranked Ariel Frencillo, who repulsed third seed Angelo Saraza, 6-4, 6-4.

Fourth seed Cenon Gonzales outlasted Francis Santiago, 2-6, 6-4, 10-8, to book a semis seat against unranked Joshua Austria, who upended Tomas Puno, 7-6 (1), 5-7, 10-6.

Top ranked Hans Asistio strolled over Mark Concepcion, 6-3, 6-0, to lead seven other players to the quarterfinal round of the 14-and-under boys class.

Other winners were No. 2 Betto Orendain, third seed Kyle Parpan, No. 5 John Victoria, Miguel dela Paz, No.6 Andrew Cano, Eric Olivarez, Jr. and Romness Joseph.