Manila: University of the Philippines bet Lance Jacob Fernandez booked a seat in the third round after defeating Hilbert San Jose, 6-0, 7-6 (3), in the Philta Men's National Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 13th-seeded Fernandez is set to face Kyle Andrei Saga next. Saga secured his place in the third round with a convincing 6-1, 6-1 win over Frank Nhiele Dilao. Saga is a notable member of the University of the East Junior Warriors, a team that clinched the UAAP Season 88 title last March, as well as the 2025 PCA Juniors team championship.
The 20-year-old Fernandez expressed his determination, saying, "It's anybody's game, I'll just do my best to win," in a news release. Meanwhile, other matches in the Group A event saw third seed John Benedict Aguilar overcome Christopher Sonsona with scores of 3-6, 6-1, 6-3, and fifth seed Arthur Pantino defeating Gerard Gemida with a 6-0, 6-0 victory.
Additional third-round entrants include No. 8 Ronard Joven, who triumphed over Marco Suntay 6-1, 6-1; No. 9 Jarell Edangga, who beat Joshua Ferrer 6-0, 6-0; No. 10 Josshua Kinaadman, who won against Andrei Padao 6-2, 6-2; No. 12 Jeremiah Latorre, who surpassed Rafael Llangco 6-4, 6-1; No. 15 Francis Alcantara, who defeated Joshua Cinco 6-0, 6-1; and qualifier Jeremiah Tomacruz, who bested Raphael Villanueva 6-2, 6-3.
Players France Vhielle Dilao, Alysson Cabanilla, Mac Alcoseba, Christian Padilla, RJ Dela Fuente, John Jeric Accion, Elvin Joseph Geluz, and Steffano Gurria also progressed in the tournament. The event offers 1000 Philta ranking points and PHP350,000 in cash to the champion.
