Hidalgo duels Jarata in Andrada Cup semis

Fifth seed Jude Hidalgo trampled Lucas Yupangco, 6-1, 6-4, to arrange a semifinal showdown with fancied Marc Jarata in the 29th Andrada Cup age-group tennis tournament at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center yesterday.

The top-seeded Jarata continued to stamp his class in the premier 14-and-under boys division, disposing of Keno Enriquez, 6-3, 6-3, although he is expected to encounter stiff resistance from Hidalgo, who dominated Yupangco in the early going before hanging tough in the second frame to complete the straight-set romp.

The other semis pairing in the 14-U class, where potential candidates to the national team come from, pits No. 2 Axl Lajon Gonzaga against No. 3 Exequiel Jucutan.

Gonzaga carved out a 6-4, 6-2 win over Samuel Rean Nuguit while Jucutan had an easier 6-1, 6-0 victory against Darwin Cosca.

In the finals of the girls’ 14-U of the event backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Altamar Shipping and Thadeus Sports are No. 1 Kryshana Brazal and No. 2 Angeline Alacala.

Quarterfinal matches in the other age groups will conclude today, leading to the semis and final matches and the awarding ceremonies tomorrow.

In girls’ 12-U, top seed Angeline Alacala made it to the semis with a 6-2, 6-7 (5), 10-6 decision over Glydel Guevarra, and will face Airies Jean Tanawan.

In the other half, No. 2 Marielle Jarata will meet Krisha Mae Bolilan, a winner via walkover. Jarata had no problem beating Frances Susan Moncato, 6-0, 6-0.

In the semis of the 10-U unisex are No. 1 Kean Sebastian Enriquez, France Vhiel Dilao, Kriz Roque Lim and Frank Niele Dilao.