Manila: Fifth seed Arthur Craig "Iggy" Pantino secured a place in the round-of-16 after a decisive 6-0, 6-2 win over France Vhielle Dilao at the Philta Men's National Open held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. Pantino, who gained recognition at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand following his victory at the Gentry Open, is set to face Elvin Joseph Geluz in the next round. Geluz advanced after defeating No. 11 seed Loucas Fernandez with a scoreline of 6-1, 6-3.
According to Philippines News Agency, top seed and reigning Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open champion Alberto Lim Jr. dominated his match against John Jeric Accion, securing a 6-0, 6-0 victory. Lim will now compete against Rafa Monte de Ramos, who progressed by overcoming Adrian Cagitla, 6-2, 6-2.
In other matches, No. 13 seed Lance Jacob Fernandez from the University of the Philippines triumphed over Kyle Andrei Saga of the University of the East with a score of 6-3, 6-2. Fernandez will next face fourth seed Vicente Alberto Anasta, who won against RJ Dela Fuente, 7-5, 6-2.
Additional players advancing to the next round include No. 7 Nilo Ledama, No. 8 Ronard Joven, No. 9 Jarell Edangga, No. 10 Josshua Kinaadman, No. 15 Francis Alcantara, qualifier Jeremiah Tomacruz, and unseeded Noel Damian Jr. The tournament offers 1000 Philta ranking points and PHP350,000 in cash for the champion.
Francis Alcantara expressed his enthusiasm after defeating Steffano Gurria, 6-0, 6-1, stating, "It's good to be back and see my fellow tennis players." Alcantara, who has been competing internationally for the past four years, will face the winner of the match between third seed John Benedict Aguilar and Alysson Cabanilla. He added, "No expectations, I'm just here to enjoy and have fun."
