By Jean Malanum

TOP SEED. Alberto Lim Jr. prepares to make a double handed backhand against Eric Jay Tangub in the 42nd Philippine Columbian Association men’s singles round of 16 Wednesday night at the PCA indoor shell court in Paco, Manila. Lim won, 1-0 (ret.). (Contributed photo)

MANILA – Top seed Alberto Lim Jr. and No. 2 Jed Olivarez secured quarterfinal berths in the 42nd Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Tennis Championships men’s singles event Wednesday night at the PCA indoor shell court in Paco, Manila.

Lim, the defending champion, was leading 1-0 in the first set when Eric Jay Tangub retired.

A member of the national team, Lim will face wild card Iggy Pantino, who whipped Alexis Acabo, 6-1, 6-1.

Meanwhile, Olivarez defeated Josshua Kimaadman, 6-2, 7-6, to advance against 10-time champion Johnny Arcilla, a 6-3, 6-3, winner over Ronard Joven.

Also moving to the next round were Lance Jacob Fernandez and Marco Macalintal.

Fernandez prevailed over Elbert Anasta, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, to forge a quarterfinal showdown with Nilo Ledama, who pulled off a 6-4, 6-1 victory over qualifier James Aquino.

Makalintal, on the other hand, downed wild card Tanakorn Srirat of Thailand, 6-3, 7-5. He will face the winner between Fritz Verdad and John Benedict Aguilar. (PNA)