Huey, Mendoza gain 2nd round

PHILIPPINE Davis Cup main man Treat Huey and fast-rising star Jurence Zosimo Mendoza handily disposed of their respective opponents yesterday to join the other big names in the men’s singles second round of the Philippine Columbian Association Open tennis championships presented by Cebuana Lhuillier at the PCA courts in Paco.

Huey, the 27-year-old lefty from University of Virginia, made his debut in the country’s oldest tourney with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Enrique Ferrer in one of the only three men’s singles matches scheduled for the day which was reserved for men’s double first round.

The 16-year-old Mendoza booted out John Altiche, 6-1, 6-3, even as wild card Kyle Dandan crushed Rolly Anasta, 6-0, 6-1.

Mendoza, the world 97th in juniors who stunned the field by reaching the finals last year, once again displayed a brand of game beyond his years as he systematically cut down his opponent with his vaunted forehand.

Dandan, the 23-year-old from Sta. Clara University in California, is making a comeback in local tennis after spending the last few years in the United States NCAA Division 1 competitions.

A former PH No.1 junior player, Dandan steered the country’s junior Davis Cup team to the World Group and is expected to contend for the men’s singles title of this event sponsored by Kia, Dunlop, Babolat, PCSO and PVL Restaurants.

Defending women’s singles champion Marian Jade Capadocia, seeded third here, starts her title-retention bid today against Monivic Santos.

Fourth seed Aileen Rogan battles Maria Dominique Ong, while fifth seed Alyssa Labay squares off with Sarah Jane Lim.

Former doubles champions Francis Casey Alcantara and Ronard Joven slammed Jose Nicholas Cano and Ivan Moses Gonzales, 6-0, 6-1, to lead the advance of seeds in the men’s doubles.

Back-to-back defending champions Arcilla and PJ Tierro walked over Jefferson Lee and Inigo Caguiron, while Arcie Mano and Antonio Sagansay III also advanced by default.

Other first-round winners: Leander Lazaro/Kim Saraza d. Arithmetico Lim/Numero Lim, 6-2, 6-4; Elbert Anasta/Alex Lazaro d. Albert Balderas/Roderick Agna, 6-3, 6-4; Ralph Kevin Barte/Mark Alcoseba d. Al Francis Potutan/Prince Salvacion, 6-1, 6-2; Arvin and Rolando Ruel d. Al Khady Jainul/Wilson Oblea, 6-1, 6-2; Joseph Arcilla/Elson Ric Solon d. Mark Ducado/Randolph Nipaya, 6-0, 6-2; Argil Lance Canizares/Kyle Parpan d. Miguel Belda/Franklin Encarnacion 6-3, 6-3