Top seed Johnny Arcilla advanced to the semifinal round with ease after defeating sixth-seed Jurenz Mendoza, 6-1, 6-4, in the Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis circuit men’s singles open competition yesterday at the Baseline Recreation Center.
The 15-year-old Mendoza was simply outplayed by Arcilla, who used his lethal forehand and drop shots to log the win and book a seat to the semifinals.
Arcilla admitted before the game that he was a bit worried against Mendoza. But he used this as motivation as the Butuan native dominated Mendoza from start to finish.
Mendoza managed to score one point in the first set after Arcilla committed a series of unforced errors. He also grabbed the lead in the early part of the second set, 2-1, but he failed to sustain his momentum when Arcilla went on to attack mode.
Arcilla will face seventh-seed Alexander Lazaro, who survived a three-set duel against third-seed Rolando Ruel, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, in what is considered the longest match in the tournament so far. Their match lasted for around three hours.
Meanwhile, fourth-seed Patrick John Tierro advanced to the semifinals with an impressive win over fifth-seed Ronard Joven, 6-1, 6-1.
Tierro again banked on his height and power advantages to beat Joven.
Tierro dictated the game, punishing his opponent with accurate forehand shots.
In the semifinals, Tierro will face second-seed Elbert Anasta, who routed eighth-seed Kim Ivor Saraza, 7-5, 6-3.