Slow-starting Anasta bucks obscure rival

MANILA, Philippines - Second seed Elbert Anasta overcame a first set loss as he turned back Leandro Lazaro, 5-7, 7-6 (4), 6-3, to advance in the men’s singles event in the 30th Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open at the PCA indoor shell clay court in Paco, Manila yesterday.

Anasta bucked an early setback and survived a scary second set but asserted his might in the decider to frustrate the 18-year-old Lazaro in the tournament presented by Cebuana Lhuillier.

“I used my experience and played aggressively in the third set. I also kept my patience in the long rallies,” said Anasta, a former Davis Cupper.

He will face the winner between Jurence Mendoza and Gilbert Estrada in the next round.

In other results, top seed Johnny Arcilla made short work of Kyle Parpan, 6-1, 6-0, while No. 3 Patrick John Tierro easily disposed of Alberto Villamor, 6-2, 6-2.

Meanwhile, No. 8 Roel Capampangan thwarted Rollito Litang, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Other second round winners were Alexander Lazaro, who beat Chris Cuarto, 7-5, 6-3; Fritz Verdad who survived Nino Salvador, 7-6 (4), 7-5; Kim Ivor Saraza who downed Marlino Pascual, 6-2, 4-3 (ret.); Antonio Quiza who thrashed Jarryd Manduriao, 6-1, 6-1.

Action in the ladies’ singles resumes today with top seed Clarice Patrimonio taking on Jennelyn Magpayo and No. 2 Marian Capadocia battling Isabella Mendoza.

Third pick Aileen Rogan clashes with Joanna Tan, No. 4 Bambi Zoleta duels Bea Fabregas, and No. 5 Tamitha Nguyen collides with Alexis Bangayan.