INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines?Reigning Australian Open Junior doubles champion Francis Casey Alcantara pulled through but fellow teener Jeson Patrombon faltered late Saturday in the first round of the Philippine Columbian Association Open tennis championships at the PCA indoor shell courts.

The 17-year-old Alcantara had an easy time disposing of qualifier Gregorio Deofilo, 6-0, 6-2, to join tournament favorites Johnny Arcilla, who is seeking a fifth title here, and PJ Tierro.

Patrombon bowed to unheralded Dodong Rubillar, 6-3, 6-2, as the promising youngster from Iligan City failed to flash the form that carried him to the quarterfinals of the World Super Juniors in Osaka recently.

Also advancing were Filipino-Italian Mark Reyes, who booted out Russel Arcilla Jr., 6-2, 6-1, and Korean Chung Soo-han, who hurdled Von Ruelan, 6-4, 6-2.

Alcantara will next take on Kyle Cordero, who won over Isidore Lascuna, 6-0, 6-0. Reyes moved up against Celestino Solon, who bested Roderick Agna, 7-6 (8), 6-0, while Chung will square off with Ronard Joven, a 6-1, 6-2 winner over Charlie Niu.

In the men?s doubles, Alcantara teamed up with Ronard Joven in routing Norman Domingo and Jaryd Manduriao, 6-0, 6-0.

Fifth seeds Ralph Kevin Barte and national coach Cris Cuarto walked over Jericho Sison and Kent Tac-an, Gabby Remigio and Dennis Sta. Cruz ousted Leyan Moncera and Jolo Opulencia, 6-2, 6-1, and tennis patron Jean Henri Lhuillier and Alexander Toledo walked over Manny Capulong and Delmer Miranda.

Other results: R. Paglalunan-K. Salvo (6) d. K. Polero-T.Polero, 6-1, 6-1; M. Mantua-A. Ruel (7) d. Me. Frencillo-Mi. Frencillo by default; M.J. Balce-R. Litang (8) d. J. Baldonado-J.F. Regis, 6-0, 6-1; L. Abadia-M. Sabas (10) d. R. Anasta and R. Hermano, 6-1, 4-6, 6-2.