Patrimonio sisters cruise to quarterfinals

MANILA—Christine and Clarice Patrimonio continued their dominance in the women’s singles with shutout victories in the First Olivarez-Philta Tennis Championship at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

Christine, ranked No. 1 in the country, whipped Maia Bernadette Balce, 6-0, 6-0, while Clarice, rated No. 2, dumped Isabela Mendoza, also by shutout.

Clarice, winner of the Brunei leg in the ITF Junior Circuit last March, and Christine barged into the quarterfinals of the tournament sponsored by Dunlop and sanctioned by the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association headed by Rep. Edwin Olivarez.

Next up for Christine is Jessica Agra, who jolted No. 7 Martina Guba, 7-5, 6-0; while Clarice meets Alyssa Labay, who ousted Jenelyn Magpayo, 6-3, 6-1.

Fifth seed Tamitha Nguyen thwarted Macy Gonzales, 6-0, 4-6, 6-4, and also advanced to the quarterfinals along with Marian Capadocia, Bambi Zoleta and Aileen Rogan.

Capadocia beat Angela Sunga, 6-0, 6-2, while Zoleta and Rogan routed Louise Lopez (6-3, 6-1) and Katrina Orteza (6-0, 6-2), respectively.

In the men’s singles, the top seven picks hurdled their respective rivals.

No. 1 Johnny Arcilla pounded Deo Talatayod, 6-1, 6-0; No. 2 Elbert Anasta outlasted Raymund Diaz, 3-6, 6-2, 4-0 (ret.); No. 3 Patrick John Tierro blanked Pedro Gonzales, 6-0, 6-0; No. 4 Rolando Ruel Jr. trounced Fritz Verdad, 6-3, 6-2; No. 5 Ronard Joven thumped Russell Arcilla Jr., 6-1, 6-2; No. 6 Ralph Kevin Barte overpowered Eric Jed Olivarez, 6-3, 6-3; and No. 7 Mark Alcoseba nipped Dave William Regencia, 6-4, 1-6, 7-5.

Unheralded Pablo Olivarez II shared the spotlight after stunning No. 13 Kenneth Salvo, 6-2, 6-1.

Action in the men’s singles resumes on Aug 16, while the women’s singles quarterfinal matches take place on Aug. 17 to make way for the Age-Group event.