Patrimonio sisters score shutout wins

MANILA, Philippines -  The one-two punch of Christine and Clarice Patrimonio continued their dominance in the women’s singles with similar victories in the first Olivarez-Philta Tennis Championship at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

Christine, who tops the ranking, never gave Maia Bernadette Balce a fighting chance with a 6-0, 6-0 win, while Clarice, who ranks number two, matched her sibling’s win with a 6-0, 6-0 victory at the expense of Isabela Mendoza.

The sisters celebrated as they advanced into the quarterfinals.

“It’s a good win dahil makakapagpahinga kami para sa next game namin,” said Clarice, who clinched the Brunei International Tennis Federation Junior Circuit title last March. Even with a championship high, Clarice is quick to admit that they have to always be on their toes to keep their momentum.

“Pero hindi kami dapat maging complacent dahil malalakas rin ang mga kasali dito,” she added.

Christine arranges a match against Jessica Agra who jolted seventh seed Martina Guba, 7-5, 6-0, while Clarice meets Alyssa Labay who ousted Jenelyn Magpayo, 6-3, 6-1, in the tournament sponsored by Dunlop and sanctioned by Philta (Philippine Lawn Tennis Association) headed by Cong Edwin Olivarez.

Fifth seed Tamitha Nguyen almost squandered a solid start when Macy Gonzales rallied in the second set, but Nguyen got her groove back in the third set, 6-0, 4-6, 6-4, to seal her spot in the next round.

Joining them in the quarterfinals are Marian Capadocia, Bambi Zoleta and Aileen Rogan. Capadocia defeated Angela Sunga, 6-0, 6-2, while Zoleta and Rogan pummelled Louise Lopez (6-3, 6-1) and Katrina Orteza (6-0, 6-2), respectively.

In the men’s singles, the top seven picks cruised into the next round after disposing of their respective rivals.

No. 1 Johnny Arcilla pounded Deo Talatayod, 6-1, 6-0; No. 2 Elbert Anasta outlasted Raymund Diaz, 3-6, 6-2, 4-0 (ret.); No. 3 Patrick John Tierro blanked Pedro Gonzales, 6-0, 6-0; No. 4 Rolando Ruel Jr. trounced Fritz Verdad, 6-3, 6-2; No. 5 Ronard Joven thumped Russell Arcilla Jr., 6-1, 6-2; No. 6 Ralph Kevin Barte overpowered Eric Jed Olivarez, 6-3, 6-3; and No. 7 Mark Alcoseba nipped Dave William Regencia, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5.

Unheralded Pablo Olivarez II also basked in the spotlight after sending home the No. 13 Kenneth Salvo, 6-2, 6-1. Salvo is the first seeded player to be ousted in the tournament.

Action in the men’s singles resumes on Aug 16, while the women’s singles quarterfinal matches take place on Aug 17 to make way for the Age-Group event.