Saraza, Amistad hurdle foes, forge q’final duel

Chloe Mae Saraza and Nicole Andrea Amistad, two of the country’s most promising young stars, hurdled their respective third-round foes to arrange a quarterfinal showdown in the girls 16-under category Friday in the 24th Andrada Cup tennis tournament at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Saraza ran into a hard-fighting Ma. Dominique Ong before prevailing, 6-1, 7-6 (7-2), while Amistad bested Bianca Cruz, 7-5, 6-3, to join early winners top seed Roxanne Resma, Khim Iglupas, Angelica Mosqueda and second seed Maia Balce in the age-group that has drawn attention because of its talented field.

Mosqueda walked over Colleen Sioson but will take on Resma in the quarters, while Iglupas booted out Frances Santiago, 6-2, 6-3. Balce won by default over Princess Nadera to also advance.

Top seed Carlyn Bless Guarde and No. 2 Maxine Martin cruised to the girls 12-under quarters with victories over Pearl Pato (6-0, 6-0) and Megan Reyes (6-4, 6-3), respectively in the tournament sponsored by Dunlop Fort All Court Balls, Philippine Sports Commission, First Solid Group, St. Luke’s Medical Center and Sagip Bayan Foundation.

Also winning in the category were Alexandra Eala, who routed Anna de Myer, 6-0, 6-1, and Gia Sagandoy, who ripped Thean Li-jian, 6-1, 6-1. Mikaela Vicencio and Mia So won by defaults over Nica Alanis and Miles Vitaliano. Blanche Lagrisola turned back Patricia Corporal, 5-7, 6-1, (10-3) to make the quarters.

In the boys’ 14-and-under class, top seed Cenon Gonzales and second seed Emmanuel Vacalares Jr. posted a pair of easy victories to stay in collision course, beating Nolan Gagalac, 6-2, 6-1, and Rafael Halili, 6-0, 6-1, respectively.

No. 7 Bryan Otico also dominated Enrico Ong, 6-1, 6-0, but will have his hands full against Gonzales in the next round of the tournament.