John Bryan Otico bucks first-set loss, eliminates Marc Reyes

MANILA, Philippines — Titleholder John Bryan Otico outlasted 15th seed Marc Reyes 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, yesterday to barge into the quarterfinals of the 37th PCA Open at its Plaza Dilao courts in Paco, Manila.

Displaying the same impressive form in ruling the tourney last year, Otico dispatched Reyes and advanced to the next round versus the winner of the Round-of-16 matchup between Macmac Alcoseba and No. 8 Ronard Joven.

Otico made history last year by becoming the first unseeded player to win it all.

The Maramag, Bukidnon native, who trained under former Davis Cupper and national team mainstay Jun Toledo, capped his sensational 2017 run by topping PJ Tierro, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, in the finals.

Also living up to their top billing were second seed Francis Casey Alcantara, who bundled out wild card Roderick Agna, 6-0, 6-2, and No. 6 Jeson Patrombon, who clobbered Calvin Canlas, 6-0, 6-2.