Patrimonio sisters pull thru in singles, doubles

MANILA, Philippines - The Patrimonio siblings needed to dig deep to keep their title bids alive both in women’s singles and doubles of the first Olivarez-Philta Open Tennis Championship in Sucat, Parañaque.

Top seed Christine needed an extra set to dispose of long-time friend Jessica Agra, 6-1, 5-7, 6-3. No. 2 Clarice also had a hard time breaking Alyssa Labay, 6-3, 1-6, 6-2. 

Both sisters marched into the semifinals of the tournament supported by Dunlop and sanctioned by the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta) headed Rep. Edwin Olivarez Jr. 

“Jessica and I are friends. We know each other’s game and we’re both happy to put up a good show like this,” said Christine, who is gearing up for the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in November in Indonesia.

Christine arranges a semis match against Marian Jade Capadocia, who prevailed over Tamitha Nguyen, 6-4, 6-3. Clarice, on the other hand, meets Bambi Zoleta, who defeated Aileen Rogan, 6-4, 6-2.

In doubles play, the Patrimonio sisters dominated the duo of Martina Guba and Regina Santiago, 6-3, 6-3, to set up a match against the tandem of Agra and Zoleta, who trounced the Capadocia siblings – Marian Jade and Jella Jade – 6-2, 6-4.

Nguyen and Rogan also vented their ire on Arabie Agero and Jenelyn Magpayo, 6-1, 6-4, and will face Rina Caniza and Annie dela Peña in the semis. Caniza and dela Peña outlasted Samantha Coyuito and Louise Lopez, 6-4, 7-6 (4).

In men’s singles, top seed Johnny Arcilla, No. 4 Rolando Ruel Jr. and No. 6 Ralph Kevin Barte secured their spots in the semis by ousting their respective rivals.

Unseeded Joseph Victorino provided the highlight of the day when he slammed the door on No. 2 Elbert Anasta, 6-4, 7-5, to join the semifinalist’s circle.

Arcilla routed Celestino Solon, 6-1, 6-0; Ruel downed Ronard Joven, 6-2, 6-4; and Barte escaped giant-killer Jurence Mendoza, 3-6, 7-5, 2-1 (ret.).