Home » Jaime Faria shines against the first favorite in Castelo Branco, Francisco Rocha also advances

In order to advance to the quarterfinals of the $25,000 ITF in Castelo Branco, Jaime Faria established his reputation and put on a fantastic performance. This victory was one of his best victories to date. The 18-year-old, who is ranked 1047 in the world, defeated the tournament’s top seed in Portugal.

Faria defeated Israeli Ben Patael (497th) by scores of 6-3 and 6-3 to go to the “quarterfinals” of an international competition for the third time in his career. The Lisboeta will need to defeat a fellow countryman in order to advance to the first semi-finals.

Another prominent figure from the era was Francisco Rocha (1867th), who beat Martim Prata (unranked) in a match that pitted two tennis players who are rising on the North American collegiate circuit against one another. Rocha won by scores of 4-6, 6-4, and 6-1 to advance to the “quarterfinals” for the second time.

Also worthy of note is André Rodeia (unranked), who provided a strong challenge to Chilean Diego Fernandez Flores (789th), the fourth seed, and held a break advantage in the opening set before falling in a difficult 7-6(5) and 6-4 match.