Patrimonio, Zoleta stay on course for title tiff

MANILA, Philippines - Anna Christine Patrimonio and Bambi Zoleta beat their respective rivals in contrasting fashions to advance to the quarterfinal round of the PCA Open at the PCA indoor courts in Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila yesterday.

The top seeded Patrimonio overpowered Jonicka Guba and cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 romp while Zoleta, the second pick, struggled past tough Jasmine Tan Ho, 6-4, 6-4, to remain on course for a possible title showdown.

Patrimonio takes on No. 7 Regina Santiago, who defeated Shannin Olivarez, 6-3, 6-0, while Zoleta arranged an equally interesting showdown with Anna Christine’s younger sister, No. 8 Anna Clarice, a 6-0, 6-3 winner over Lenz Santos.

Anna Christine also had a relatively easy triumph in the first round over Nikki Manalo, 6-0, 6-1, while Zoleta dominated Honeymae Gilles, 6-1, 6-2, in the opening round.

Fil-Am Riza Zalameda, meanwhile, withdrew from the tournament to focus on the PLDT-Smart $10,000 ITF Week 2 tournament at the Rizal Tennis Center, enabling Marian Capadocia to advance.

But No. 3 Aileen Rogan foiled Capadocia, 6-1, 6-2, to arrange a meeting with former RP No. 1 Czarina Mae Arevalo, who booted out Samantha Coyiuto, 6-0, 6-1.

No. 4 Michelle Pang joined the favorites in the next round with a 6-3, 6-2 win over Marinel Rudas to set up a duel with No. 6 Jessica Agra, who overpowered Crizzabelle Paulino, 6-1, 6-0.     – Joey Villar