FILIPINO campaigner Khim Iglupas fought a losing battle to powerful second seed Shiori Fukuda of Japan, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, yesterday in the girls’ singles quarterfinals of the Phinma international juniors tennis championships Week 2 at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Trying to go deeper into the main draw, Iglupas took the second set to force a deciding frame but in the end yielded to the tall, tough playing Japanese who ruled won titles in both singles and doubles events in Week 1.
Fukuda will take on Kimika Sakata, who bundled out Lisa Marie Rioux, 6-1, 3-6, 6-2.
Also advancing to the semifinals was fifth seed Saya Ito of Japan, who felled compatriot Isumi Asano, 6-3, 7-6 (6-4), in the event organized by Phinma Group of Companies with the PSC, Dunlop Fort All Court, Viva and Wilkins Mineral Water as major sponsors.
Indonesia’s Rifanti Kahfiani will challenge Ito after drubbing Thai Jaipet Anontaweesil, 6-0, 6-2.
In boys’ action, Week 1 singles champ Lin Weide of Chinese Taipei barged into the semifinals with a 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 win over Yousuke Watanuke of Japan. He will take on fourth seed Brian Tran of Australia who ousted Japanese Yuki Takamura, 6-3, 0-6, 6-2.
Second seed Shoma Kato downed Joshua Liu of Singapore, 6-0, 6-1, while fellow Japanese Naoto Kai defeated Shohei Chikami, 6-3, 6-4, to arrange a semifinal showdown.