By Jean Malanum
MANILA – University of the Philippines bet Lance Jacob Fernandez booked a seat in the third round after beating Hilbert San Jose, 6-0, 7-6 (3), Tuesday in the Philta Men’s National Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
The 13th-seeded Fernandez will face Kyle Andrei Saga – a 6-1, 6-1 winner over Frank Nhiele Dilao.
Saga is a member of the University of the East Junior Warriors, who won the UAAP Season 88 crown last March and the 2025 PCA Juniors team title.
“It’s anybody’s game, I’ll just do my best to win,” the 20-year-old Fernandez said in a news release.
Meanwhile, third seed John Benedict Aguilar prevailed over Christopher Sonsona, 3-6, 6-1, 6-3; and fifth seed Arthur Pantino blanked Gerard Gemida, 6-0, 6-0, to reach the third round in the Group A event.
Other winners were No. 8 Ronard Joven over Marco Suntay, 6-1, 6-1; No. 9 Jarell Edangga over Joshua Ferrer, 6-0, 6-0; No. 10 Josshua Kinaadman over Andrei Padao, 6-2, 6-2; No. 12 Jeremiah Latorre over Rafael Llangco, 6-4, 6-1; No. 15 Francis Alcantara over Joshua Cinco, 6-0, 6-1; and qualifier Jeremiah Tomacruz over Raphael Villanueva, 6-2, 6-3.
France Vhielle Dilao, Alysson Cabanilla, Mac Alcoseba, Christian Padilla, RJ Dela Fuente, John Jeric Accion, Elvin Joseph Geluz and Steffano Gurria also advanced.
The event offers 1000 Philta ranking points and PHP350,000 in cash to the champion. (PNA)
