Alcantara, Reyes cruise to 3rd round in Olivarez-Philta Open

MANILA, Philippines - Wild cards Francis Casey Alcantara and Fil-Italian Marc Reyes posted a pair of lopsided triumphs over separate rivals to storm into the third round of the Olivarez-Philta Open Tennis Championships presented by Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat late Saturday.

Alcantara, the 2009 Australian Open junior doubles champion, followed up his 6-0, 6-3 rout of Arjohn dela Cruz with a 6-0, 6-0 romp over 10th ranked Kim Saraza to arrange a Last 16 duel with fifth seed Rolando Ruel Jr. in the men’s Open singles.

Ruel survived a first set scare and went on to defeat Radharani Reyes, 7-5, 6-1, in the P300,000 tournament event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala through Philta regional vice president and Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro with Dunlop as official ball.

Reyes, who reached the finals of the PCA Open two years ago, overwhelmed Rollie Anasta, 6-0, 6-1, to set up a clash with Michael Mantua, who upended No. 12 Antonio Sagansay, 6-3, 7-5.

Top seed Jeson Patrombon, who kicked off his title drive with a 6-2, 6-2 win over John Rey Moreno, and No. 2 Johnny Arcilla, who disposed of Gabriel Pena, 6-2, 6-0, in the first round, were still playing Alberto Lim Jr. and Arc Dolorito, respectively, at presstime.

Others who advanced to the third round were Fritz Verdad, Leander Lazaro, Joseph Victorino, Alexander Lazaro and Alberto Villamor.

Verdad held off Antonio Quiza, 6-4, 6-4; Leander Lazaro repulsed Mario Sabas, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2; Victorino humbled No. 9 Roel Capampangan, 6-4, 7-6(4); Alexander Lazaro routed Roderick Agna, 6-0, 6-0; and Villamor booted out Kristian Tesorio, 6-0, 7-6(4).

In juniors play, top seed Eric Jed Olivarez beat Dolorito, 6-3, 6-3, to lead the quarterfinalists in the boys’ 18-and-under class. He will face No. 6 Romnee Joseph, who defeated Marc Conception, 6-4, 6-4.

Also reaching the Last 8 are Calvin Canlas, Andrew Cano, Francisco Santos, Joel Cabusas, Benjamin Parpan and second seed Argil Canizares.

No. 2 Olivarez also moved into the semis of the 16-and-under division, beating Arthur Pantino, 6-4, 6-0, while top seed Marcen Gonzales scored a 6-4, 2-1 (Ret.) win over Kyle Parpan to set up a semis duel with Andrew Cano, who dominated Vincent Alanis, 6-0, 6-1.