^

Sports

Alcantara tows other RP bets to semis

- Joey Villar -

Francis Casey Alcantara, Ralph Kevin Barte and Pablo Olivarez II pulled off tough wins over their respective rivals yesterday to barge into the semifinal round in Week 2 of the Phinma International ITF Junior Circuit at the Rizal Tennis Center.

The top seeded Alcantara, who settled for a runner-up finish in the first leg of the event last week, survived a first set scare and went on to hack out a 7-6 (3), 6-2 victory over sixth pick Sorapon Imprapal of Thailand.

He faces Olivarez in the semis. The third seeded bet overcame the big-hitting No. 8 Vedran Ljubicic of Croatia to prevail, 6-0, 6-7 (5), 6-4.

Second seed and world No. 235 Barte, on the other hand, had a surprisingly easy route to the semis, blasting Thai No. 7 Phaninthon Pakpoomkamol, 6-4, 6-4, to forge a duel with Australian No. 5 James Duckworth, a 6-2, 6-2 winner over Taiwanese Chang Yu Chi.

Earlier, Duckworth avenged his sorry setback to Week 1 champion Artem Ilyushin of Russia with a come-from-behind 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 win in Thursday’s second round action.

Bambi Zoleta, meanwhile, crashed out following a 2-6, 1-6 setback to Australia’s Ashling Sumner in their quarterfinal duel.

Sumner’s triumph set her up against countrywoman Cody Morris, who pulled off a shock 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 win over No. 7 Ioana Laura Alecsiu of Romania.

In other results, No. 6 Hayley Ericksen of Australia surprised Thai No. 1 Satjaporn Mahajaroenkul, 6-1, 6-2.

Japanese No. 8 Maho Kowase bundled out compatriot Riko Fujioka, 6-1, 6-2, to clinch the last semis berth.

ARTEM ILYUSHIN

ASHLING SUMNER

AUSTRALIAN NO

COUNTRY

PLACE

REGION

THAI NO

  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with