Cebuana Lhuillier Men’s Open Tennis: Hometown bets all tumble down

The Cebuano netters crumbled one after the other, allowing an all-Manila showdown in the singles event quarterfinals of the Cebuana Lhuillier Men's Open Tennis Championships at the Baseline Sports and Recreation Center tennis courts.

Francis Largo was mercilessly clobbered by seeded no. 8 Ralph Kevin Barte, 1-6, 0-6 in yesterday's second round of battle. Barte will face next Johnny Arcilla, who advanced with a 6-2,6-2 whipping of Ronald Joven.

After Largo, it was Christian "Babaw" Tiongko's turn to tumble down, losing by a 4-6, 4-6 decision to another top-rated player in Patrick John Tierro.

Tierro then proceeded with a 6-1, 6-3 drubbing of Soo-han Chung to set up a last eight duel with Rocky Paglalunan, who forced Alexander Lazaro to retire, ending their game at 6-0,3-0.

The other quarterfinal matches pit Yannick Guba versus Elbert Anasta and  Joel Palao opposite Rolando Ruel.

Guba bested Pablo Olivarez III, 6-3, 6-2,  Anasta survived a second-round shutout to defeat Jessie Lapore, 7-6, 0-6, 6-1, Palao took away a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Arcie Maño, while Ruel forced Arvin Ruel to throw in the towel after the first set.

In the doubles competition, Arcilla and Tierro had an easy time disposing Cebu's Michael Quiñones and Mark Balce, 6-2, 6-2.