Pierce’s Tieu Reaches Semifinals of State Tennis Championships

Singles standout Mai-Chi Tieu of Pierce College advanced to the semifinals in the women’s state community college tennis championships by winning a pair of matches Friday at the Rancho Los Arbolitos Tennis Club in Rancho Bernardo, Calif.

In the round of 16, Tieu defeated Amy Mattubuena of Chabot, 6-1, 6-1. In the quarterfinal match in the afternoon, she defeated Antje Fritsche of Grossmont, 6-2, 6-2.

Tieu will face Jamie Fouret of Saddleback in the semifinals at 9 a.m. today. If Tieu wins, she is scheduled to play in the final at 11 a.m.

Ashot Smbatyan of Glendale reached the men’s quarterfinals before losing to Manual Ramirez of College of the Desert, 6-2, 6-1. Ramirez is ranked second in the state.

In the first round of the tournament, Smbatyan defeated Ryan Johnston of Foothill, 6-4, 7-5.

In doubles competition, Pierce’s team of Kasper Nielsen and Vanja Nadali lost in the first round to Chris Tsao and Bryan Paveglio of American River in Sacramento, 6-0, 6-4.