Eric Jed Olivarez (Contributed photo)
MANILA – Top seed Eric Jed Olivarez and No. 2 Johnny Arcilla made it to the quarterfinal round of the Dagitab Festival National Open men's singles, posting victories over opponents who suffered injuries due to the slippery Naga City indoor clay courts in Cebu.
Olivarez managed to win the first set at 6-2 before his rival, Rolly John Saga, retired.
Defending champion Arcilla, on the other hand, was leading 1-0 in the first set when No. 15 Marc Nicole Suson was injured.
Olivarez will be up against Raymund Goco, who eliminated No. 7 Noel Salupado, 6-4, 6-7 (8), 10-4, while Arcilla will meet Francis Eduard Parangan, who rallied past Israel Abarquez Jr., 2-6, 7-5, 10-4.
"The courts were slippery. many were injured," explained tournament director Bobby Mangunay on Monday.
Also winning their matches which ended in retirement were No. 3 Elbert Anasta over Celestino Cocoy Solon, 5-1 (ret); No. 4 Joshua Kinaadman over No. 16 Abson John Alejandre, 3-0 (ret); and Mark Alcoseba over No. 9 Jan Godfrey Seno, 6-4 (ret).
Anasta, a sergeant in the Philippine Army, will face Alcoseba in the quarterfinals while Kinaadman will take on No. 5 Eric Jay Tangub, who scored a 6-1, 6-2 victory over No. 11 Francisco Santos.
The champion will receive PHP60,000 in cash and a trophy. (PNA)
