Tierro, Anasta forge Philta finals battle

FORMER Philippine No. 1 Patrick John Tierro turned back Fil-Italian wild card Marc Reyes even as Vicente “Elbert” Anasta shocked Francis Casey Alcantara yesterday to arrange a title duel in the Olivarez-Philta Open presented by Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala at Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat.

Tierro defused the power of the explosive Reyes to prevail, 7-5, 6-3, while Anasta pulled off a 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 stunner over Alcantara to set up an unlikely men’s finals clash between former Philippine Davis Cuppers.

Tierro, seeded fourth, used his familiarity with the shell-clay courts and a lot of patience in handling Reyes’ strong serves. He downed Alexander Lazaro, 6-4, 7-5, in the quarters.

After a grueling opening set, Anasta found his groove in the second to dominate Alcantara,  the former Australian Open juniors doubles champ, who scored a thrilling win over chief rival and top seed Jeson Patrombon last Friday.

Reyes, a practice player for the PH Davis Cup team, had ousted second seed Johnny Arcilla, 6-4, 6-4, to reach the semis.

In the ladies’ open, top rank Clarice Patrimonio and second seed Marinel Rudas arranged a finals showdown after impressive wins in the semifinals of the event sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala and Stronghold Insurance with Dunlop as official ball.

Patrimonio, dumped No. 3 Aileen Rogan, 6-0, 6-2,  while  Rudas downed No. 4 Alyssa Labay, 6-1, 6-2.