Patrimonio, Balanga edge closer to finals

MANILA, Philippines - Top seed Clarice Patrimonio and No. 2 Edilyn Balanga fashioned out a pair of lopsided victories over Maika Tanpoco and Christine Patrimonio, respectively, to sail through the semifinal round of the fourth Olivarez Cup Open Tennis Championship presented by Palawan Pawnshop at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat last Wednesday.

Clarice, out to reclaim the crown she captured in 2011, showed too much class against Tanpoco and came away with a 6-1, 6-1 to arrange a Final Four duel with a surging Maia Balce.

Winner of last week’s 16-and-under crown in the Olivarez Cup age-group tilt, the 15-year-old Balce booted out another seeded entry in No. 7 Macy Gonzales, 6-3, 6-3. The St. Paul Pasig student early stunned No. 3 Aileen Rogan in the opener of the event held in honor of Philta president and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez and presented by Palawan Pawnshop.

Balanga, on the other hand, dropped just four games to oust Christine Patrimonio with a 6-2, 6-2 for a semis duel with the other giant-killer in Katrina Orteza, who eased out fourth seed Alyssa Labay, 7-6(4), 6-3.

Orteza also bundled out No. 5 Hannah Espinosa in the Last 6 phase of the tournament sanctioned by Philta and backed by Dunlop as official ball.

Alberto Lim, meanwhile, continued his giant-killing spree, beating No, 6 Rolando Ruel, 6-4, 6-4, to advance to the semis of the men’s singles against third seed Patrick Tierro, who saw off Roel Capangpangan, 6-4, 6-2.

Lim, 14, earlier surprised second seed and former champion Vicente Anasta, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, with the Letran bet and NCAA singles champion expected to have his hands full against Tierro.

Top seed Johnny Arcilla, however, is all set to defend his crown as he powered past Alex Lazaro, 6-3, 6-2, to seal an explosive matchup with fourth seed Marc Reyes, who held off Jason Patrombon, 7-5, 6-2.