Patrombon, Alcantara stage early duel; Arcilla faces Reyes

MANILA, Philippines - Top seed Jeson Patrombon primed up for his keenly awaited clash with Francis Casey Alcantara with a 6-2, 6-1 romp over Fritz Verdad while No. 2 Johnny Arcilla and Fil-Italian Marc Reyes forged the other top quarterfinal duel in the second Olivarez-Philta Open Tennis Championships presented by Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala late Wednesday.

Patrombon, 19, put on another superb game to eliminate Verdad and arrange a quarters showdown with 20-year-old Alcantara, a wild card who bundled out No. 5 Rolando Ruel Jr., 6-1, 5-7, 6-3, in the other third round clash in the men’s Open singles. They tangle at 11 a.m. today at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat for a Final Four berth.

Arcilla, 31, likewise fashioned out a straight-set 6-3, 6-1 win over Arvin Ruel to seal a Last 8 faceoff with Reyes, the other fancied wild card entry who, like Alcantara, needed an extra set to remain in the title hunt in the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala and Stronghold Insurance with Dunlop as official ball.

The 23-year-old Reyes, a finalist in the PCA Open two years ago, bucked a second set meltdown with an imposing game in the decider to hack out a 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Michael Mantua. He squares off with Arcilla at 12 noon, also today.

Also making it to the quarters of the ranking event sanctioned by Philta are No. 3 Vicente Anasta, Joseph Victorino, No. 7 Alexander Lazaro and fourth seed Patrick Tierro.

Anasta held off Leander Lazaro, 6-4, 7-5, to set up a clash with Victorino, who fought back from a set down to stun No. 6 Ronard Joven, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, while Alexander Lazaro thwarted Pablo Olivarez, 6-3, 6-4, for a quarters duel with Tierro, who overwhelmed Alberto Villamor, 6-1, 6-1.

In the ladies Open singles, top seed Clarice Patrimonio and No. 2 Marinel Rudas stayed on collision course by beating Macy Gonzales, 6-0, 6-1, and Samantha Coyiuto, 6-1, 2-1(ret.) to advance to the quarters.

Patrimonio will take on Akiko de Guzman, who outplayed Aziel Manantan, 6-0, 6-1, while Rudas will mix it up with Jzach Canja.

 at 10 a.m. for spots in the semis.

Others who advanced were third seed Aileen, who foiled Grace Espinosa, 2-6, 6-2, 6-4; No. 8 Maika Tanpoco, who shut out Karamina Atangan, 6-0, 6-0; No. 5 Christine Patrimonio, who blasted Jenelyn Magpayo, 6-2, 6-1; and fourth seed Alyssa Labay, who booted out Yoshi Nugochi. 6-1, 6-2.