Abadia, Soquiño advance in Dagitab netfest

CEBU, Philippines – Kennex Abadia, former University of San Jose-Recoletos varsity, and fellow Cebuano Janji Soquiño advanced to the round of 16 in the Palawan Pawnshop-presented Dagitab Festival Open Tennis Championships at the Naga Tennis Club yesterday.

Abadia won by retirement over Luke Flores of Iloilo, while Soquiño enjoyed a no-sweat victory against Kevin Pantillo.

Tied at 1-1, Flores retired in the deciding set with Abadia leading the charge, 3-0.

Cebu's other hometown bets in Franklin Encarnacion, Marc Enriquez and Venz Alforque were not as lucky. Encarnacion lost to Deo Talatayod, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, Enriquez yielded to Fritz Verdad, while Naga's pride Alforque fell prey to Arvin Ruel, 6-4, 6-0.

Another visiting netter, Kim Saraza, started his bid with a hard-earned 3-6,6-3,6-2 win against Joshua Miranda.

Meanwhile, the doubles competition will start today, with Johnny Arcilla and Ronard Joven as the topseed among 16 contenders— Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (FREEMAN)