Altiche enters PSC jr netfest

MANILA, Philippines –  Top seed John Altiche opened his bid for a second straight title in the Philippine Sports Commission National Age Group Tennis Championships, beating Vernon Huibonhua, 6-0, 6-2, at the Rizal Tennis Center over the weekend.

Altiche, who swept his way to the crown in last week’s PSC Metro age-group tilt, played just well enough to whisk off Huibonhua and advance to the quarterfinal round of the 18-and-under class of the event featuring some of the country’s future stars.

In 14-under boys’ division, third seed Jerimiah Latorre subdued Julian Dayrit, 6-0, 6-3, to likewise gain a spot in the last eight of the event sponsored by PSC. Others who advanced were No. 8 Mimo Tomacruz and fourth seed and last week’s champion Jose Cano.

Disputing quarterfinal berths in the 16-under category at presstime were top seed John Victoria against Cano, No. 2 Betto Orendain versus Mohamad Amerol, third seed Juan Opulencia against Daniel Um; and No. 5 Kyle Joseph versus Joshua Santiago.

Over in the girls’ side, top ranked Marian Capadocia whitewashed Sachiko Romano, 6-0, 6-0, to book the first semis berth in the premier 18-under class. Others vying for the three other Final Four seats are No. 2 Anne Rene Castillo, Isabela Mendoza, No. 3 Macy Gonzales and last week’s champion and No. 4 Samantha Coyiuto.

Capadocia also romped off with a 6-1, 6-0 rout of Cristabelle Paulino to reach the quarters of the 16-under class. She will face the winner of the Akiko de Guzman-Maia Balce duel for a berth in the semis.

Balce, meanwhile, blanked Steffi del Rosario, 6-0, 6-0, to lead the quarterfinalists in the 14-under category.