ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Utah men’s tennis team advanced three to the ITA Mountain Regional semifinals as third-seeded Patrik Trhac and Berk Bugarikj advanced in doubles. At the same time, Geronimo Espin Busleiman went on to the semifinals in the singles draw.
The regional doubles champion and the regional singles champion and finalists qualify for the ITA National Fall Championships from November 4-7 in San Diego, California. To view the updated singles and doubles draws, click here.
In the quarterfinals of doubles, third-seeded Berk Bugarikj and Patrik Trhac faced off with Victor Sklenka and Andreas Kramer of Idaho State. The Utes’ duo came away with an 8-5 win advancing to the quarterfinals. In the quarters, they continued to win as they defeated Nicolas Herrera Cuesta and Daniel Sancho Arbuizu of Denver, 8-2, advancing to the semifinals.
Top-seeded team of Franco Capalbo and Geronimo Espin Busleiman faced Francisco Bascon and Matteo Masala of Idaho. The Ute duo was defeated 8-6 and eliminated from the main draw.
Second-seeded Geronimo Espin Busleiman advanced to the semifinals following a quarter-win. Espin Busleiman matched up with fifth-seeded Bodin Zarkovic and won the first set 6-2. After dropping the second set, 6-1, Espin Busleiman came back with a 6-4 victory to advance.
Capalbo was facing Sergi Mico Fenollar of Utah State in the quarterfinals of the singles draw. After dropping the first set, 6-4. Capalbo bounced back and won the second set, 6-3, to force a third set. The third set was a back-and-forth set. They went to a tiebreaker, and Capalbo came up short, 7-6 (5).
In the consolation draw, Berk Bugarikj faced Wally Thayne of BYU. After winning the first set, 6-2, Bugarikj dropped the second set, 6-3. They went to a tiebreaker, and Thayne came away with a 10-4 win.
The ITA Regional Tournament continues on Sunday with the semifinals of the singles and doubles matches. Live updates for the tournament can be found on the ITA website.
ITA Regional Championships – Day 3 Results
Singles – Quarterfinals
2nd-seeded Geronimo Espin Busleiman (UU) def. 5th-seeded Bodin Zarkovic (USU), 6-2, 1-6, 6-4
11th-seeded sergi Mico Fenollar (USU) def. 1st-seeded Franco Capalbo (UU), 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (5)
Doubles – Round of 16
3rd-seeded Berk Bugarikj/Patrik Trhac (UU) def. Victor…
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