Top seed PJ Tierro smashed Expedito Lim, 6-0, 6-2, yesterday to set in motion his title bid in the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open at the PCA shell courts in Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila.
Veteran campaigner Johnny Arcilla likewise breezed past age-group campaigner Joshua Tan Ho, 6-0, 6-2, to start his title-retention campaign.
“It’s a good start, I feel good about it,” said Tierro, a member of the national team.
Tierro will next play Terrence Estrope, who trounced Russel Arcilla Jr., 7-6 (3), 6-3, while Arcilla, also a national player and former RP No. 1, will take on qualifier Von Ruelan, who smashed Stephen Pilares, 6-4, 6-4.
No. 3 Rolando Ruel Jr., No. 4 Ralph Kevin Barte, No. 5 Elbert Anasta and No. 8 Ronald Joven likewise advanced.
Ruel made mincemeat of Michael Tamayo, 6-0, 6-1, Barte walloped Irwin de Guzman, 6-1, 6-0, Anasta downed Jaime Solon, 6-3, 7-6 (2), and Joven smashed Julius Kraut, 6-l, 7-5.
RP team coach Cris Cuarto also seized the limelight as he hammered out a 7-6 (0), 6-2 win over Rollyto Litang while 15-year-old wildcard Kyle Cordero overpowered lucky loser Rommel Roque to barge into the next round.
In other matches, La Salle coach Roland Kraut slammed Takeru Yahiro, 6-2, 6-1, qualifier Ronald Dazo edged Jandrick de Castro, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, Gilbert Estrada bested Jeremy Salvo, 6-2, 6-2, Daniel Bautista defeated Mark Balce, 6-2, 6-4, and Leander Lazaro shocked No. 14 Arcie Mano, 7-5, 7-5.