Wild cards Alcantara, Reyes advance in Olivarez tennis

WILD cards Francis Casey Alcantara and Fil-Italian Marc Reyes posted a pair of lopsided triumphs over separate rivals to storm into the third round of the Olivarez-Philta Open Tennis Championships at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat late Saturday.

Alcantara, the 2009 Australian Open junior doubles champion, followed up his 6-0, 6-3 rout of Arjohn dela Cruz with a 6-0, 6-0 romp over 10th-ranked Kim Saraza to arrange a Last 16 duel with fifth seed Rolando Ruel Jr. in the men’s open singles.

Ruel survived a first set scare and went on to defeat Radharani Reyes, 7-5, 6-1, in the P300,000 tournament event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala through Philta regional vice president and Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro, with Dunlop as official ball.

Reyes, who reached the finals of the PCA Open two years ago, overwhelmed Rollie Anasta, 6-0, 6-1, to set up a clash with Michael Mantua, who upended No. 12 Antonio Sagansay, 6-3, 7-5.

Top seed Jeson Patrombon, who kicked off his title drive with a 6-2, 6-2 win over John Rey Moreno, and No. 2 Johnny Arcilla, who disposed of Gabriel Pena, 6-2, 6-0, in the first round, were still playing Alberto Lim Jr. and Arc Dolorito, respectively, at press time.

Others who advanced to the third round were Fritz Verdad, Leander Lazaro, Joseph Victorino, Alexander Lazaro and Alberto Villamor.

Verdad held off Antonio Quiza, 6-4, 6-4; Leander Lazaro repulsed Mario Sabas, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2; Victorino humbled No. 9 Roel Capampangan, 6-4, 7-6(4); Alexander Lazaro routed Roderick Agna, 6-0, 6-0; and Villamor booted out Kristian Tesorio, 6-0, 7-6(4). (PR)