Mendoza, Iglupas reach Olivarez Cup quarters

MANILA, Philippines - Unranked Jurence Mendoza sustained his top form and stunned third seed Elberto Anasta, 6-3, 6-2, to join the fancied bets in the men’s Open singles quarterfinals of the sixth Olivarez Cup Tennis Championship at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque yesterday.

Top seed Khim Iglupas also dished out a superb game to dominate Rafa Villanueva, 6-2, 6-1, and lead the Last 8 cast in women’s singles of the top-ranking event presented by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala through COO Bobby Castro and sanctioned by Philta.

Mendoza seized control early and swept the first four games then foiled Anasta’s fightback to within 3-4 by holding serve in the eighth game then breaking his veteran rival in the next. It was more of the same in the second frame with Mendoza racking up the first three games then winning three of the next five to wrap up the one-hour, 45-minute victory in the tournament backed by Dunlop AllClay Court as the official ball, Stronghold Insurance and Aseana City.

“I was able to maintain my stamina and power throughout the match because of my superb conditioning. I just hope to keep my form and gain a crack at the crown,” said Mendoza from Olongapo, who set up a quarters duel with No. 10 Arvin Ruel, who repulsed Fritz Verdad, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.

“Mendoza could provide the big surprise in the event teeming with talents while Iglupas faces a slew of challengers out to foil her back-to-back title bid, guaranteeing an action-packed quarters,” said Philta president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

The defending champion Iglupas also imposed her power and used her experience to dispose of Villanueva and arrange a duel with Christine Patrimonio for a berth in the Final Four of the event also held in honor of former Parañaque City Mayor Pablo Olivarez.

“I’ve prepared and trained hard for this tournament with the help of my coaches in the Philippine Tennis Academy,” said Iglupas, who braces for a tough outing against Christine, who eased out Shaira Rivera, 6-4, 6-2.