Bernardo, Saraza gain PCA semis

MANILA, Philippines - Denise Bernardo and Chloe Mae Saraza beat their respective rivals to reach the semifinal round of the PCA Open at the PCA indoor shell clay courts in Paco, Manila yesterday.

The third-ranked Bernardo clobbered Julia Ignacio, 6-1, 6-0, while the top-seeded Saraza won via default over Terry Arejola as they took the first two semis seats in the girls’ 12-under section.

Others who advanced were Gaby Zoleta, Justine Red Ballado, and Justine Hannah Maneja, who beat their respective rivals in the tournament presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings and backed by Dunlop, Fujidenzo/Whirlpool, Babolat, Manny Pacquiao, Head, Accel, Malate Bayview Mansion, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc., Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company Inc. and Seno Hardware.

Zoleta ripped Ma. Patricia Lim, 6-1, 6-2; Ballado dumped Bettina Catoto, 6-0, 6-1; and Maneja gained with a walkover win over Izzie Poblador.

Action heats up today as Angela Cabaral takes on Bettinna Bautista, and Alexis Bangayan squaring off with Toni Rose Raymundo.

In the boys’ 18-under, sixth seed Joshua Cano and seventh pick Argil Lance Canizares secured their spots in the quarters by beating John Karl Bayot, 6-0, 6-0, and Lorelle Dave Tamano (walkover), respectively.

Other winners in the premier boys’ class were John Kennete Arandia, who trounced Renz Antisoda, 6-4, 6-2; Miguel dela Paz who eased out Michael Reyes, 3-0 (ret.); Reynaldo Pioquinto, who crushed Rappel Magdoboy, 6-0, 6-1; and Abdulqouhar Allian who won via default against Michael Tan. 

Other backers fo the event are United Auctioneers Inc. Foton, Philippine Sports Commission, TLH Sports and Wellness Center/Solinco, Avida Land Corp., Stronghold Insurance, Ryobi MHI and GMA 7.