Eric Jed Olivarez faced a challenging quarterfinal against John Accion, while Johnny Arcilla cruised past Noel Salupado as the top two seeds advanced to the semifinals in contrasting styles at the Dagitab Festival National Open Tennis Championships in Naga City last Wednesday, Dec. 18.

After dispatching Miecoz Candelasa, 6-0, 6-3, and Jarell Edangga, 6-2, 6-2, the top-seeded Olivarez overcame a lapse in consistency to edge out Accion in three sets, 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, securing his spot in the upper half of the 32-player draw.

The No. 2 Arcilla, a multi-titled veteran, overcame Hans Cabellon, 6-1, 6-3, in the first round and bounced back from a slow start to eliminate Mark Alcoseba, 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. He then demolished sixth-ranked Salupado, 6-1, 6-2, to book his semis ticket.

The semis matches promise exciting matchups, with Olivarez squaring off against unranked Ronald Joven and Arcilla battling rising star John Benedict Aguilar.

Joven showcased his readiness for the crown with an upset victory over No. 3 Vicente Anasta, 6-4, 6-2, while Aguilar, the fifth seed, edged out No. 4 Fritz Verdad in a thrilling duel, 7-5, 7-6(3). Aguilar previously reached the finals of a recent Open championship, where he faced Olivarez.

In the men’s doubles, Olivarez and partner Anasta stunned top-seeded Rolly Saga and Verdad, 6-1, 7-6(1), to set up a finals clash against Arcilla and Joven. Arcilla and Joven repelled John Renest Sonsona and John Velez David, 6-2, 6-4, in the other semifinal.

In the Classified category, Jimboy Butron and Eure Tagal shocked top seeds JD Benitez and Clyde Quinta, 8-4, to lead the semifinalists in the B+ division. Others who advanced included Roy Tan-Salupado, Kennex Abdia-Ryan Repunte, and Elsie Abarquez-Michael Wamar. The Tan-Salupado and Abdia-Repunte pairs advanced through walkovers, while Abarquez and Wamar ousted No. 2 seeds Marc Loreto and Karl Yabut, 8-5.

The B- finals will feature Roy Tabotabo and Jaime Espina. In the C+ group, Rex Tadena-Clodualdo Mabansag, Marjuk Dacalos-Ryan Manaloto, Prospero Ruelan-Titus Tabotabo, and Noel Narvasa-Reli Calinawan reached the semis.

Meanwhile, Duke Chiong and Richard Alguno will contest the C- title against Andrio Estrella and Whisly Estrella. In the D division, Reynaldo Caburnay and Romeo Gemino secured the first finals spot.

In the Legends division, JD Benitez and Danny Sajonia will face Roy Tan and Elmer Yac for the 50s crown. Benitez-Tan and Danny Sajonia-Bo Alburo will vie for the 40s title, Econg Mercado and Guendel Orcullo will battle for the 45s trophy, and Reneboy Salahid will meet Tan for the 35s championship.