MANILA, Philippines - Third seed Aileen Rogan breezed past Kristie Barraquias, 6-1, 6-0, to open her title campaign in the women’s division of the PCA Open at the PCA indoor courts in Plaza Dilao yesterday.
The romp set up Rogan against the winner of the match between Fil-Am Riza Zalameda and local bet Marian Capadocia in the tournament which offers P50,000 to the champion.
Zalameda will spearhead the country’s bid in the SEA Games in Laos next month along with comebacking Maricris Fernandez, Anna Christine Patrimonio and Fil-Am Denise Dy.
No. 6 Jessica Agra bucked qualifier Zhane Quitara’s challenge in the opening set before cruising to a 6-4, 6-0 rout while No. 7 Regina Santiago whipped Jenelyn Magpayo, 6-0, 6-0, to advance to the next round.
Santiago, however, is expected to have her hands full against Shannin Olivarez, who also scored a 6-0, 6-0 rout of Nikki de Dios.
Jonicka Guba trounced qualifier Louise Lopez, 6-1, 6-2, to advance against the winner between No. 1 Anna Christine Patrimonio or Nikki Manalo, who are playing at press time.
In other first round results, Jasmine Tan Ho disposed of Enah Baba, 6-0, 6-0; Lenz Santos beat Trudygine Amoranto, 6-3, 6-2; Marinel Rudas downed Ivy De Castro, 6-0, 7-5; and Samantha Coyiuto defeated lucky loser JV Custodio, 6-1, 6-0.
Reigning titlist Bambi Zoleta is still playing at presstime against Honeymae Gilles.