Dayrit, Gonzales pull off reversals

MANILA, Philippines - Julian Dayrit and Ingrid Mariz Gonzales pulled off a pair of reversals over their respective fancied rivals to barge into the semifinal round of the 12-under division of the First Gen Juntaphil Metro Age Group Tennis Championships at the Olivarez Tennis Center in Sucat yesterday.

Dayrit battled back from a set down to turn back fourth seed Joel Francis Atienza, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, on the shell court to set up a semis clash with top ranked Eric Olivarez Jr.

Olivarez continued to flash fine form in the Group I tournament presented by First Gen Corporation and sponsored by Smart Communications as he rolled past No. 8 Tomas Puno, 6-1, 6-1, in the other quarters duel at the upper bracket.

No. 2 Mimo Tomacruz, on the other hand, booted out Ian Aquino, 6-4, 6-0, to arrange a semis duel with third ranked Albert Lim Jr., who disposed of Brysl Libao, 6-3, 6-1.

Gonzales, meanwhile, dished out a solid game to oust No. 4 Janelle Carmella Llavore, 6-3, 6-4, but will have her hands full against No. 1 Maia Balce in the semis of the tournament organized by Juntaphil and backed by Pet One, RCBC, Sole Footbeds and Pepsi. Balce needed an extra set to bundle out Andrea Amistad, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, in the 12-under girls.

Fighting for the two other semis seats at presstime were third seed Erika Manduriao and No. 2 Bianca Marie Cruz who were slugging it out with Kim Iglupas and sixth seed Chrislyn Sioson at presstime.

Jose Gabriel Tiamson also came up with a stunner, upending fourth seed Chloemae Saraza, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, to crash into the semis of the 10-unisex class. He faces top seed Marraphael Teng, who whipped Manuel Balce III, 6-2, 6-3, for the first finals berth.

Arthur Pantino matched Tiamson’s big upset as he shocked No. 2 Michael Francis Eala, 7-5, 6-1, in the lower bracket. He meets No. 3 Angelo Saraza, who thwarted Benjamin Martin, 6-4, 6-4.