Balce shatters Rogan in Olivarez Cup opener

MANILA, Philippines - Junior champion Maia Balce put up a strong performance to bundle out third seed Aileen Rogan, 6-2, 6-3, to barge into the second round of the ladies singles in the fourth Olivarez Cup Open Tennis Championship which got under way yesterday at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

Balce, a 15-year-old ace out of St. Paul Pasig, surprised Rogan with her superb all-around game, breaking her twice in the opener before sustaining her form in the next to complete a straight-set victory.

Winner of last week’s 16-and-under crown in the Olivarez Cup age-group tournament, the former World Juniors and Fed Cup campaigner will take on the winner of the Junnelyn Polito-Ana Vienna Bienes duel tomorrow for a spot in the Last 16 of the event held in honor of Philta president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez and presented by Palawan Pawnshop.

Ma. Angela Sunga fought back from a set down to turn back Isabela Mendoza, 0-6, 7-5, 6-1; Akiko de Guzman held off Eren Penados, 6-1, 7-5; Joanna Tan routed Lenelyn Milo, 6-1, 6-1; and Christine Patrimonio blanked Aziel Manantan, 6-0, 6-0, in the other early results.

In men’s play, qualifier Chat Conta toppled John Altiche, 6-1, 6-4, to set up a second round duel with top seed defending champion Johnny Arcilla in one of today’s featured matches in the week-long tournament featuring the country’s leading players and national team and pool members.