LEANDER Lazaro posted a stunning win over Fil-Italian Marc Reyes, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, even as top seed Johnny Arcilla cruised to the quarterfinals with an easy 6-3, 6-2 win over his brother Joseph yesterday in the third Olivarez Cup Open Tennis Championship at Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.
Lazaro held his ground against Reyes’ power shots to eke out the win. The reigning UAAP MVP from National University, Lazaro made good use of the slow, shell-clay surface to defuse Reyes’ bombs and move up against fourth seed Rolando Ruel Jr.
Ruel, a former Davis Cupper, downed Pablo Olivarez II, 6-4, 6-2, in the tournament presented by Palawan Pawnshop and held in honor of former Parañaque mayor Dr. Pablo Olivarez.
Arcilla will next face Kim Saraza, the Perpetual Help stalwart and NCAA MVP who upended Roel Capangpangan, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).
Defending champion Elbert Anasta walked over to the quarterfinals where he will take on Ronard Joven, a 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 winner over Arcie Manio.
Third seed Patrick John Tierro downed Arvin Ruel, 6-4, 6-2, to forge a duel with No. 7 Mark Anthony Alcoseba, who overwhelmed Jacob Lagman, 6-2, 6-3.
Meanwhile, the event’s presentor resumes its age-group tournaments with the staging of the Cainta-Palawan Pawnshop Open on March 18 to 24. Marc Anthony Reyes