Pantino, Abarquez on a roll in Dagitab netfest

Cebuano netters Arthur Craig Pantino and Elizabeth Abarquez continue to hold on their grounds against a tough field of opposition in the Dagitab Festival Open Tennis Championships yesterday in Naga City south of Cebu.

Pantino stunned seeded no.8 Noel Damian Jr. in round 2 of the men’s singles, 6-4, 6-1 to set up a quarterfinal date with Patrick John Tierro, who advanced after John Marie Altiche retired early in the second set, 6-3, 10-0.

Defending champion Johnny Arcilla, on the other hand, claimed a masterful 62, 6-1 win against Kim Ivor Saraza.

No.2 seed Jeson Patrombon silenced Jimmy Tangalin, 6-0, 6-1, Eric Jed Oliverez upset Elbert Anasta, 6-4, 6-4, while Ronard Joven also pulled off a 6-4, 6-4 shutout of Marcen Angelo Gonzales.

The fourth-ranked Leander Lazaro escaped past Mark Anthony Alcoseba, 6-0, 7-6 (4), while John Bryan Otico bested Fritz Verdad, 6-3, 26, 7-6 (5).

In the distaff side, Abarquez breezed through the quarterfinals after ralling past Danielle Carranza, 2-6, 6-2, 10-8.

Last year’s runner-up and seeded no.1 Khim Iglupas prevailed over Zethley Mae Alferez, 6-3, 64, Shyne Villareal fell prey to Patricia Velez, 6-2, 6-4, Sydney Enriquez bowed to Aileen Rogan, 1-6 0-6, and while Alyssa Bornia got edged by Shaira Hope Rivera, 0-6, 3-6.—

Caecent No-ot Magsumbol