Alcantara, Patrombon forge Philta Open quarters battle

Childhood rivals Francis Casey Alcantara and Jeson Patrombon, now the country’s top tennis players, trounced separate foes late Wednesday to forge a quarterfinal showdown in the Olivarez-Philta Open tennis championships presented by Palawan Pawnshop Express Pera Padala.

Filipino-Italian Marc Reyes also set up a quarterfinal clash with second seed Johnny Arcilla today at Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

The top-seeded Patrombon made quick work of Fritz Verdad, 6-1, 6-2, while Alcantara, a wild card entry because he currently has no national ranking, outlasted Rolando Ruel Jr., 6-1, 5-7, 6-3, to set up a duel between the former age group stalwarts.

The 20-year-old Alcantara, who hails from Cagayan de Oro, has steered Fresno State University to the top 16 in the US NCAA division 1. He is now working on his transfer to Pepperdine University and is staying in the country until January.

Patrombon, the 19-year-old from Iligan, is now 889th in the world, the highest ranked Filipino in singles.

“It’s going to be an exciting match for sure, this is good for local tennis because we have the best young players going at each other,” said Philippine Tennis Association vice president Randy Villanueva.

Reyes downed Michael Mantua, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3, while Arcilla ousted Arvin Ruel, 6-3, 6-1, to make the Final 8. Also advancing were  No. 3 Vicente Anasta, Joseph Victorino, No. 7 Alexander Lazaro and fourth seed Patrick Tierro.

Anasta ousted Leander Lazaro, 6-4, 7-5, to advance against Victorino, who stunned No. 6 Ronard Joven, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Alexander Lazaro booted out Pablo Olivarez, 6-3, 6-4, and will next face Tierro, who crushed Alberto Villamor, 6-1, 6-1.

In the ladies’ Open singles, top seed Clarice Patrimonio whipped Macy Gonzales, 6-0, 6-1, while second seed Marinel Rudas dumped Samantha Coyiuto, 6-1, 2-1 (retired). Patrimonio will next take on Akiko de Guzman, who booted out Aziel Manantan, 6-0, 6-1, while Rudas moved up against Jsazh Canja.