MANILA, Philippines - Alberto Lim bucked the odds and bundled out second seed and former champion Vicente Anasta, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, to barge into the quarterfinal round of the Olivarez Cup Open Tennis Championship presented by Palawan Pawnshop at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque last Wednesday.
The 14-year-old Lim bounced back strong from a first-set setback with a victory in the second then rode through the pressure in the decider to boot out the fancied Anasta in a grueling three-hour, 18-minute encounter.
The Tennis Association of the Philippines Foundation mainstay showed up and beat Anasta, who won here in 2011 and finished runner-up last year, in their thrilling baseline rally and pounded out winners when he needed them most.
The NCAA singles champion from Letran hopes to sustain his momentum when he faces another veteran campaigner Rolando Ruel Jr. for a berth in the semifinal round in the event held in honor of Philta president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez and presented by Palawan Pawnshop.
The No. 6 Ruel, who earlier got past Fritz Verdad, 6-4, 6-3, breezed through the quarters with a 6-2, 2-0 (ret.) win over Kim Saraza.
Top seed defending champion Johnny Arcilla, meanwhile, cruised to the Last 8 with an imposing 6-1, 6-2 win over Joseph Arcilla for a clash with No. 10 Alexander Lazaro, who upended No. 8 Leander Lazaro, 6-2, 6-4, in their side of the duel in the week-long tournament sanctioned by Philta and backed by Dunlop as official ball.
Fourth seed Marc Reyes likewise stamped his class to blast Arn Procianos, 6-2, 6-1, to arrange an explosive matchup with No. 5 Jason Patrombon, who prevailed over Mark Alcoseba, 6-0, 3-0 (Ret.)
No. 3 Patrick Tierro dominated Argil Canizares, 6-0, 6-3, to set up the last quarterfinal duel with No. 11 Roel Capangpangan, who pulled off the day’s other reversal, a 7-5, 6-4 win over seventh ranked Ronard Joven.