Lazaro, Reyes post wins in PCA Open

MANILA, Philippines — Eighth seed Leander Lazaro and Marc Reyes trounced Paolo Baran and Jeric delos Santos, 6-2, 6-4,  to jumpstart their title bids in the doubles division of the 34th Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open-Cebuana Lhuillier Wildcard Event at the PCA's Plaza Dilao clay courts in Paco, Manila.

Andrew Tangalin and Jordan Villanueva waylaid Renoso Valderama and Anthony Morante, 6-3, 6-1, and Dave Mosqueda and Francis Dominic smashed Lanzado Lawrence Obdina and Mark Clarence Cabahug, 6-3, 6-1, to join Lazaro and Reyes into the next round.

Also making it through were Jimmy Tangalin and Marvelous Cortez, who rallied from a first set defeat to beat Arc Dolorito and Wilson Oblea, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 10-5, in this event supported by Cebuana Lhuillier, Puma, Dunlop, The Philippine Star, Head, Babolat, Compass/IMOSTI and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao.

Stepping through the next round were Abson Alejandre and Chris Prulla, Fritz Verdad and Al Michael Madrio, Raffy Santiago and Raymond Diaz, Jigo Pena and Francis Edilbert Alcantara, Engelbert Dionisio and Bernard Arce, and Ralph Antonio and Claudio Canlas, all advancing due to walkover wins.

Top seed Patrick John Tierro and Johnny Arcilla, No. 2 Marc Alcoseba and Elbert Anasta, No. 3 Ronard Joven and Francis Casey Alcantara and No. 4 Roel Capangpangan and Joseph Arcilla are granted opening-round byes.

Men's singles action resume on Wednesday.

The finalists in the men’s singles will earn berths in the main draw of the 2015 Manila International Tennis Federation (ITF) Men’s Futures Leg 2 starting Oct. 2, while the players who make it into the quarterfinals and semifinals will clinch berths in the qualifying round. Only the winners in the doubles division will be given spots in the ITF main 16-pair main draw.

A total of P172,000 is up for grabs with the men’s singles winner receiving P50,000 and runner-up P25,000. The ladies singles titlist and runner-up will get P20,000 and P10,000, respectively.

Meanwhile, Clarice and Christine Patrimonio, daughters of former PBA star Alvin, face off with Erika Manduriao and Kimberly Keethler hoping to set in motion their singles campaign in today's start of the women's section.

The Patrimonio siblings are looking to make up for a heartbreaking quarterfinal efforts last year won by Mary Jade Capadocia.

The tournament is supported by Whilpool/Fujidenzo, Broadway Motor Sales Corp. Coca-Cola Fesma Philippines, Tyrecorp Incorporated, Pearl Garden Hotel, Metro Global Holdings Corporation, Avida, PVL Restaurant, Mary Grace Foods, Inc., Seno Hardware and Wire Rope Corporation.

No. 2 Marinel Rudas also opens her title quest as she clashes with Jana Exconde while Edilyn Balanga, Maia Balce, Sjaira Hope Rivera, Rafaella Villanueva and Espinosa likewise tory to fan their title hopes with opening round wins.

Balanga battles Precian Ever Rivera; Balce goes up against Princess Castillo, Rivera meets Ana Atangan and Espinosa slugs it out against Monica Cortez.