Olivarez breezes thru; rain halts play

MANILA, Philippines - Eric Jed Olivarez rolled past Jose Nicolas Cano, 6-1, 6-2, to cruise to the semifinal round of the 18 boys’ division before rain stranded 24 players chasing victories in various divisions in the fourth PSC-Philta age group tennis tournament at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center yesterday.

The top-ranked Olivarez used his power and superb baseline game to dominate Cano and move into the semis against the winner of the Stefan Suarez-Joachim Samson duel in the event sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission and backed by Wilson Championship Extra Duty Balls.

Also tipped to advance to the Final Four of the premier division are Jerome Romualdez and second seed Marcen Gonzales, among those whose games were halted due to rain.

Olivarez likewise stayed on course for a double as he led the semifinalists in the 16-under category with a walkover win over Eubert del Rosario in the Group I tournament held in honor of Philippine Sports commissioner Buddy Andrada.

Meanwhile, Justin Suarez defeated Enrique Jugo, 6-4, 6-0, to reach the boys’ 14 semis while Mikaela Vicenio trounced Mae Perez, 6-2, 6-0, to gain a spot in the girls’ semis.

Jeleardo Amazona clobbered Li Yang Thean, 6-0, 6-1, to join Olivarez in the 18 boys’ semis while top seeded Jake Martin whipped Javier Miguel De Jesus, 6-0, 6-0, to lead the Last 8 cast of the 14 boys, including No. 6 Joseph Raymond Anida, who trounced Jerome Ignacio, 6-4, 6-0; and No. 3 Justin Suarez, who blanked Vryan de Asis, 6-0, 6-0.

Third ranked Sebastian Lhuillier defused Bettina Catoto, 6-0, 7-6 (1), to clinch the first semis berth in the 10-unisex division while Jose Martin Dizon outlasted Jude Hidalgo, 6-2, 1-6 (10-7), to reach the Last 8 stage against Jose Thomas Bernardo, who clipped Julia Ignacio, 6-2, 6-2.