Fil-German, Clarice safely into quarters

MANILA, Philippines - Top seed Fil-German Katharina Lehnert overwhelmed Charito Capadocia, 6-0, 6-0, while No. 2 Clarice Patrimonio drove past Nikki Arandia, 6-1, 6-2, as they moved into the quarterfinal round of the PCA Open Tennis Championships presented by Cebuana Lhuillier at the PCA courts in Paco, Manila yesterday.

Lehnert, 18, used her quickness to dominate the 14-year-old Capadocia and arrange a Final 8 clash with Alyssa Labay, who bundled out Jazsh Canja, 6-2, 6-2.

“I’m just playing my game and see how it goes,’’ said the comely Lehnert whose mother hails from La Union. “There are a lot of good players here like Marian (Capadocia) and Clarice (Patrimonio) but I like my chances.’’

Lehnert, who has signified her intention to play for the Philippines, recently won a $10,000 ITF tournament in Germany and reached the quarterfinals in a Thailand meet before heading to this tournament sponsored by Kia, Dunlop, Head, Babolat, Whirlpool, PCSO and PVL Restaurant.

Patrimonio also flashed fine form in ousting Arandia as the former doubles champion and the country’s No. 1 booked a quarters duel with wildcard Toby Miclat, who blasted Macy Gonzales, 6-1, 6-1.

Defending champion and third seed Marian Capadocia also advanced to the quarters with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Lenelyn Milo. The 17-year-old, who also claimed Phinma crown two weeks ago and the PCA Open-Kia juniors title last week, is in hot pursuit of her seventh title this year before flying to the US next year to study.

She will take on Hannah Espinosa, who thwarted Capadocia’s elder sister Jella, 6-4, 6-2 while Aileen Rogan bested Kimberly Keethler, 6-0, 6-1, to advance against Rachelle de Guzman who pulled off a 6-3, 6-2 upset of eighth seed and 2010 finalist Christine Patrimonio.