MANILA, Philippines - Jan Harold Trillanes toughened up in the second set and carved out a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Jose Martin Buenaventura to advance in junior play in the 33rd Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open at the PCA indoor shell clay courts in Paco, Manila yesterday.
Trillanes dominated early but struggled in the second frame before hitting the right shots to ease out Buenaventura and set a duel with Sebastien Lhuillier, who routed Sean Bernardo, 6-1, 6-1, in the boys’ 12-under section.
Others who rolled into the next round were Matthew Garcia, who beat Juan Lacuna, 6-1, 6-1, and Jose Rafael Cruz, who scored a walkover win over Diego Dayrit.
Seventh seed Minette April Bentillo and No. 12 Prince Najeeb Langitao, meanwhile, toppled Joaquin de Leon, 6-4, 4-1, and April Bautista, 4-0, 4-0, to lead the winners in the 10-under unisex category along with Samuel Nuguit and Jude Hidalgo.
Samuel won over sibling Shant Raven, 4-1, 4-2, while Hidalgo rallied past Joshua Diva, 2-4, 5-3, 5-2.
Top seed Miguel Luis Vicencio and No. 2 Rafael Liangco also sealed their spots in the next round of the 10-U class with walkover wins.
In the boys’ 16-under, No. 4 seed Elijah Arevalo clobbered Joseph Saraza, 6-1, 6-2, to arrange a clash with Jake Martin, who blanked Darwin Libre, 6-0, 6-0.
In boys’ 14-U class, Norman De Castro downed Red Ante, 6-2, 6-2; Jose Maria Pague routed John Aaron Garces, 6-0, 6-0; Gabriel Tiamson outclassed Ethan Arejola, 6-0 6-2; Angelo Saraza thumped Lorenzo Suarez, 7-5, 6-0; Janus Ringia whipped Romeo Martin Buenaventura, 6-0, 6-0; and Adrian Encinares won by default over Santino Vistan.