Casey, pal gain semis

MANILA, Philippines - Francis Casey Alcantara stayed on track for a back-to-back doubles crown as he teamed up with John Morrissey of Ireland to beat local bets Marco Cecchinato and Giammarco Micolani of Italy, 6-4, 6-2, in the 51st Trofeo Bonfiglio in Milan, Italy Thursday.

The victory sent the Alcantara-Morrissey tandem to the semifinal round but the duo will have to double their effort to gain a crack at the crown as they take on the fourth-ranked Peter Heller and Kevin Krawietz of Germany at the Tennis Club Milano Bonacossa Friday.

The 18-year-old Alcantara is seeking a second consecutive doubles crown after teaming up with Fil-Am Raymond Sarmiento to rule the Mitsubishi Lancer International Juniors Championship back home two months ago.

Despite the long break, Alcantara still dished out top form even with a new partner as the unseeded pair braces for a tough outing against the Heller-Krawietz tandem.

The Germans beat Tom Allen of Great Britain and Jiri Vesely of Czech Republic, 6-4, 6-4, to clinch the other Final Four slot in the lower bracket.