MANILA – Cebuano fifth seed Arthur Craig “Iggy” Pantino secured a spot in the Round of 16 after a dominant 6-0, 6-2 victory over France Vhielle Dilao on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Philta Men’s National Open held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
Pantino, who made his debut at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand following his win at the Gentry Open, will next face Elvin Joseph Geluz. Geluz advanced by defeating No. 11 Loucas Fernandez, 6-1, 6-3.
In other matches, top seed and defending Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open champion Alberto Lim Jr. overwhelmed John Jeric Accion with a double bagel, 6-0, 6-0, to move forward. He will take on Rafa Monte de Ramos, who beat Adrian Cagitla, 6-2, 6-2.
Meanwhile, No. 13 Lance Jacob Fernandez of the University of the Philippines defeated Kyle Andrei Saga of the University of the East, 6-3, 6-2, in the Group A event supported by Tecnifibre and the Philippine Sports Commission. Fernandez will now face fourth seed Vicente Alberto Anasta, who overcame RJ Dela Fuente, 7-5, 6-2.
Seventh seed 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. also moved on to the next round. The tournament offers 1000 Philta ranking points and a cash prize of P350,000 to the champion.
“It’s good to be back and see my fellow tennis players,” Alcantara said after his 6-0, 6-1 win over Steffano Gurria. Alcantara, the country’s No. 1 doubles player, has been competing abroad for the last four years. The Cagayan de Oro native will face the winner between third seed John Benedict Aguilar and Alysson Cabanilla. “No expectations, I’m just here to enjoy and have fun,” added Alcantara, a member of the national team.
