ALEXANDRA Eala and Diego Dayrit fashioned out contrasting victories against separate opponents yesterday to forge a title showdown in the 10-under unisex of the 24th Andrada Cup tennis tournament at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Eala showed determination beyond her age when she recovered from a set down to turn back Jan Harold Trillanes, 4-6, 6-3, (10-8), in an exciting match that rivaled those in the older age groups.
Later in the day, top seed Dayrit had a trouble-free semifinal victory over Alfred Doloroso, 6-0, 6-0, to reach the championship round.
Andrew Cano and Joachim Samson led the charge to the semis in the boys’ 18-under with triumphs over Alfonso Opulencia, 6-1, 6-0, and Betto Orendain, 6-3, 6-2, respectively.
Top seed Roxanne Resma sailed to the finals of the girls’ 18-under with an easy 6-1, 6-1 win over Khim Iglupas.
In boys’ 14-under, second seed Emmanuel Vacalares Jr., ousted No. 3 Sohaimen Mama, 6-4, 6-2, while Bryan Otico stunned Godfrey Seno, 1-6, 6-3, (10-5), to set up a semifinal duel.
Janus Ringia and No. 2 Michael Eala geared for a title collision in the boys’ 12-under after downing Marcus del Rosario (6-2, 6-3), and Mark Alfred Directo (6-0, 6-2), respectively, in the event sanctioned by the Philippine Tennis Association and held in honor of Philippine Sports Commissioner and former tennis chief Buddy Andrada.
In girls’ 16-under, Nicole Amistad survived the tough stand mounted by Chloe Mae Saraza, 5-7, 6-2 (11-9), to progress to the semis against Resma, who handily disposed of Angelica Mosqueda, 6-0, 6-0, in the tourney sponsored by Dunlop Fort All Court Balls, Philippine Sports Commission, First Solid Group, St. Luke’s Medical Center and Sagip Bayan Foundation.
Second seed Maia Balce also cruised to the Final Four with a 6-3, 6-0 rout of Jade Capadocia, in the girls’ 16-under.
Monica Therese Cruz upset Rafaela Villanueva, 6-3, 6-1, to crash into the semis of the girls’ 14-and-under along with Angelica Mosqueda, who defeated Gia Sagandoy, 6-1, 6-4, in the lower half of the draw.
Top seed Carlyn Bless Guarde edged third seed Blanche Lagrisola, 6-4, 6-1, and sealed a title duel with fifth seed Mikaela Vicencio in the girls’ 12-and-under. Vicencio stopped No. 7 Gia Sagandoy, 2-6, 6-4, (11-9).
In boys’ 16-under, Jeleardo Amazona shocked Dave Mosqueda, 6-1, 5-7, (13-11), to gain the semis in the boys’ 16-under against Eric Olivarez Jr.