Top PCA tandems advance with ease
TOP SEEDS Patrick John Tierro and Mark Reyes overwhelmed Crisanto Catacutan and Jeffrey Villar, 6-0, 6-1, to barge into the second round of the men’s doubles yesterday in the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open tennis championships.
Fourteenth seed Eric Olivarez Jr. and Vince Salas also came away with an impressive 6-1, 6-3 triumph over Andrew Tangalin and Jordan Villanueva, fourth-ranked Johnny Arcilla and Kyle Dandan and second seeds Leander Lazaro and Ronard Joven made it to the second round with walkover wins.
“I’m more comfortable with my ankle right now and I can move with ease, hopefully things will get even better later in the draw,’’ said Tierro, who hurt his right ankle during practice for the event.
Teenage hotshot Alberto Lim Jr. and Raymond Diaz recovered from a 4-2 hole in the second set to turn back Francis Jeff Patinio and Francisco Santos, 6-4, 6-4.
Lim, who is gearing up for the Orange Bowl later in the year and the Australian Open juniors in January, said he and Diaz are still testing their partnership.
“I was surprised because they kept giving me the ball,’’ said the 14-year-old Lim. “Good thing I was playing well.’’
Lim also made the second round in singles late Saturday after a 6-0, 6-0 rout of John Altiche. He will next face Al Michael Madrio, a 7-5, 7-5 winner over Arn Procianos.
Australian Open juniors quarterfinalist Jeson Patrombon also advanced in men’s singles after a 6-1, 6-1 win over Mark Balce. Patrombon advanced against Bryan de Mesa, who ousted Ernesto Pantua, 6-2, 6-3.
