Cebuano Pantino cruises to semis in PCA Open

CEBU’S ARTHUR Craig “Igi” Diaz Pantino advanced to the semifinals of the boys 12-under of the ongoing Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open 2011 in Paco, Manila.

He clinched his semifinals ticket by demolishing Mama Sohaimen, 6-1, 6-4.

Pantino, who is seeded second in the category, will go up against Matt Palasan of Cagayan de Oro for a chance at the championship round.

He had a scare in the second round when Sohaimen was looking to forge a third set when he took the lead at 4-2.

However, the 10-year-old netter of the University of San Carlos (USC) rallied and eventually closed out the game in his favor.

Pantino advanced to the quarterfinals with a 6-0, 6-1 routing of Miguel del Rosario. The PCA Open is a Group 1 Philippine Tennis Association (Philta)-sanctioned tournament. CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON