PCA Open: Vitaliano heads semifinalists

TOP seed Miles Vitaliano and second-ranked Alexandra Eala blasted their respective rivals in the girls’ 12-under yesterday to advance to the semifinals of the 33rd Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings at the PCA indoor shell clay courts in Paco, Manila.

Vitaliano whitewashed Justine Hannah Maneja, 6-0, 6-0, while Eala crushed Justine Red Ballado, 6-1, 6-0.

Also advancing were No. 3 seed Denise Bernardo, who routed Julia Ignacio, 6-1, 6-0, and No. 4 Lourdes Pe, who upended Gaby Zoleta, 7-5, 6-1.

Vitaliano battles Pe while Eala tackles Bernardo in the Final 4.

In the boys’ 18-under, No. 1 Marcen Angelo Gonzales and sixth seed Joshua Cano also gained the semifinals with two straight victories.

Gonzales downed John Jennete Arandia, 6-1, 6-0, following his win against No. 8 Kyle Parpan, 6-0, 6-4. Cano, meanwhile, ripped John Karl Bayot, 6-0, 6-0, after disposing off his brother Jose Nicholas, 6-4, 6-3.

Gonzales and Cano clash today for a spot in the finals.

Also battling today are stalwarts from Ateneo, La Salle, National University, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines and University of the East in the Inter-Collegiate event.

Patrimonio sisters Anna Christine and Anna Clarice will spearhead NU’s bid while former junior standout Marinel Rudas will take the frontline for La Salle.