Top seed Johnny Arcilla and Elbert Anasta topped their respective rivals in contrasting fashion to enter the quarterfinals of the 39th Philippine Columbian Association Tennis Championships at the Plaza Dilao shell courts in Paco.
Now 42, Arcilla easily demolished Norman Enrqiuez, 6-0, 6-2, while fourth seed Anasta, 40, battled cramps to get rid of Alex Acabo, 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(2), for places in the round-of-eight.
“So far, so good,” Arcilla said.
Next up for Arcilla is the survivor of the clash involving John Renest Sonsona and Joseph Victorino that was being played at press time.
Arcilla has won the PCA title nine times.
Anasta, for his part, collides with either Ronard Joven or fifth pick Muthu Senthilkumar of India in the hopes of surpassing his best finish — semis — three times.
Owing to cramps, Anasta came close to calling it quits during the third and final sets and the tiebreaker.
“I was close to giving up but I’m happy I kept on fighting,” Anasta said.
In women’s play, Alexa Joy Milliam battered Mikaela Vicencio, 6-1, 6-1, and Justine Hannah Maneja slammed Joana Tan, 6-4, 6-4, to make the quarterfinals.
Also making the quarterfinal grade are Makeliah Nepomuceno and Kyle Emana.
