PCA Open: Orteza, Rudas enter semis

MANILA, Philippines - Top seed Patricia Orteza and Marinel Rudas overpowered their respective opponents to advance to the girls’ 18-and-under semifinals of the 28th Philippine Columbian Association Open at the PCA indoor courts in Plaza Dilao, Manila.

Orteza smashed Bea Fabregas, 6-1, 6-2, to arrange a semis duel with the winner between Liz Magaway and Joan Opulencia while Rudas routed Tamitha Nguyen, 6-3, 6-2, to set up a showdown with either Alyssa Mendoza or Alexandra Lopez in the other semis match.

In the boys’ 18-under, fifth seed AJ Rivero pulled off a stunning upset win over top seed Nic Magaway, 4-6, 7-5, 10-6, to clinch the first berth in the semifinals.

In girls’ 16-and-under division, No. 1 Shannin Olivarez blanked Patricia Ong, 6-0, 6-0, to lead the march of the fancied bets in the last four.

Olivarez, 15, will meet No. 3 Samantha Coyuito, who advanced with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Monika Banez in the tournament presented by Cebuana Lhiullier and supported by The Philippine STAR.

Second seed Marian Capadocia survived a tense opening set to carve out a 7-5, 6-2 triumph over JV Custodio. She will meet No. 4 Macy Gonzales, who had a relatively easier time in disposing of Joana Carnay, 6-0, 6-1, for a spot in the finals.

Meanwhile, organizers announced registration in the men’s and women’s senior divisions are now open at the PCA.

Seniors’ qualifying rounds start Nov. 9 until 13 with the main draw set Nov. 14 also at the PCA indoor clay shell courts.