Upsets rock second day of Metro tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Stirring reversals marked the second day of the first Metro Open People’s tennis championships at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Unseeded Jaime Solon shocked sixth pick Arvin Ruel, 6-2, 6-3, to barge into the men’s singles quarterfinals of this P302,000 tournament presented by Cebuana Lhuillier, Phiten, Le Soleil de Boracay and Just Jewels.

But Marinel Rudas emerged as the biggest winner yesterday as she bumped off women’s singles fourth seed Bien Zoleta, 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4, while Ma. Regina Santiago subdued No. 7 Anna Clarice Patrimonio, 6-0, 6-1.

Solon next faces third seed Rolando Ruel Jr., who claimed his Last 8 seat with a 7-6 (5), 6-1 decision over Mico Santiago.

Also claiming their reserved seats in the quarterfinals were top seed Johnny Arcilla and second pick Patrick John Tierro.

Arcilla trounced Kim Ivor Saraza, 6-1, 6-1, while Tierro thumped Christian Canlas, 6-1, 6-1.

Arcilla collides with No. 8 Rocky Paglalunan, a 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-3 winner over Pop Sabandon, in today’s play while Tierro tangles with No. 7 Ronald Joven, who routed Michael Mantua, 6-2, 6-1.

Completing the men’s quarterfinals cast were fourth seed Ralph Kevin Barte, who thrashed Gilbert Estrada, 6-3, 6-1, and No. 5 Elbert Anasta, a 6-3, 7-5 winner over Rollyto Litang.

In the distaff side, Jessica Marie Agra downed Ivy de Castro, 6-2, 6-1, to advance to the next round.