6 LOCALS ADVANCE AS ITF PHINMA JR TENNIS KICKS OFF
Stephan Lhuillier, Julian Fernandez and Rucel Cero trounced their rivals to clinch three of the four berths in the main draw of the 2017 PhinmaPSC Juniors Tennis Championships, which kicks off Week 1 on Tuesday at Manila Polo Club in Forbes Park, Makati.
Lhuillier routed Armando Bejosano, 6-0, 6-2; Fernandez overpowered Jacinto Barrientos, 6-1, 6-3; while Cero held off Alfred Directo, 6-3, 7-5; to join seeded Arthur Pantino, Michael Eala, Manuel Balce III and Matthew Garcia in the tournament proper of the Group 4 ITF (International Tennis Federation) boys’ 18-and-under event.
Japanese Mikihisa Matsuzaki turned back Phathikone Kanyaphan, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, to likewise move to the main draw, led by Megh Patel of India and Japanese Shunsuke Mitsui.
Tracy Llamas downed Isearis Bejosano, 6-1, 3-6, 6-1; Isabela Carlos trounced Raiana Aquino, 6-2, 6-0; and Althea Ong held off Paula Uy, 6-2, 7-5; to likewise gain spots in the main draw of the girls’ side.
They will join seeded Filipinos Rafaella Villanueva, Melanie DIzon and Bea Ace in the division topbilled by Lisa Mays of Australia and Chang Ting-pei of Taiwan.