Not even a hurting ankle and a determined Jeson Patrombon could stop second seed PJ Tierro from clinching a spot in the quarterfinals of the 32nd Philippine Columbian Association Open Tennis Championships yesterday.
Tierro staved off four match points and went on to subdue Patrombon, 7-6 (6), 6-7 (3), 7-6 (6), in a three-hour duel at PCA covered clay courts in Paco, Manila.
Tierro advanced against No. 6 Ronard Joven, who took his slot in the next round by walkover following the withdrawal of Albert Lim.
Defending champion Johnny Arcilla routed Antonio Sagansay, 6-1, 6-0, to move up against No. 11 Kim Saraza, a 7-6 (5), 6-1 winner over Dheo Talatayod, while No. 3 Elbert Anasta bested Arcie Manio, 6-4, 6-2, to forge a quarterfinal date with Leander Lazaro, who scored a 6-4, 6-2 decision over Calvin Canlas. Fourth seed Mark Reyes crushed Joseph Arcilla, 6-0, 6-2, to forge a duel with No. 5 Rolando Ruel Jr.