Olivarez Triumphs Over Damian, Prepares for Championship Match Against Tangub

In a thrilling semifinal match at the Mayor Edwin Olivarez National Open Tennis Championships held at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Eric Olivarez showcased his resilience by defeating Noel Damian with scores of 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. Initially dominating the first set, Olivarez faced a challenge in the second set, allowing Damian to stage a comeback. However, he regained his form in the final set to secure his place in the finals.

Olivarez's path to the final included victories against several competitors. He previously defeated David Abordo in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1, and then outplayed Marraphael Teng with a score of 6-2, 6-3. In an impressive display of skill, he also overwhelmed veteran player Vicente Anasta, winning decisively at 6-1, 6-1. These performances have established Olivarez as a formidable contender in the tournament.

Awaiting Olivarez in the final match is Eric Jay Tangub, who advanced after a straightforward victory over Richard Bautista, taking the match with scores of 6-1, 6-4. Tangub's journey to the finals included a remarkable opening round where he defeated Gurkan Nasilbilirsen without losing a single game, 6-0, 6-0, followed by a solid win against James Aquino at 6-2, 6-0, and a tighter contest against Loucas Fernandez, where he finished with 6-4, 6-3.

The championship match is set for today at 9 a.m., where both players will compete not only for the prestige of the title but also for the top prize of P100,000. The tournament, with a total prize pool of P415,000, has drawn some of the best tennis players from across the country, alongside emerging talents eager for recognition and success on this competitive stage.

Reporting by Jeff Malate for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.