Arcilla, Olivarez on collision course in Dimaporo Open

MANILA, Philippines — Johnny Arcilla and Eric Jed Olivarez fashioned out straight-set victories to set up semifinal clashes with their respective doubles partners, bringing them closer to another title showdown at the Gov. Imelda Dimaporo National Open Tennis Championships in Lanao del Norte Thursday.

The second-ranked Arcilla continued to dominate opponents half his age, leveraging his vast experience and court savvy to defeat Eric Tangub, 6-1, 7-5. He will face No. 7 Nilo Ledama in the semifinals at the Mindanao Civic Center Sports Complex.

Ledama upset fourth-seed Fritz Verdad in a thrilling quarterfinal match, 7-6(1), 2-6, 6-4, in the two-week tournament hosted by Mayor Dimaporo and organized by provincial sports coordinator Nelson Lasola.

The top-seeded Olivarez, determined to redeem himself from a previous loss to Arcilla in the recent Mayor Eric Olivarez Open final, overwhelmed young Mcleen Gomera, 6-0, 6-3, bouncing back from a tense 7-5, 7-6(5) win over Allen Manlangit in the previous round and setting up a Last 4 showdown with Alexis Acabo.

Acabo advanced after a 6-1, 3-1 (ret.) win over third-ranked Jose Maria Pague.