Patrimonio advances to the final, faces Capadocia

Clarice Patrimonio reached deep into her bag of tricks to advance into the 36th Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open ladies’ singles finals, where she will face a determined and relentless Marian Jade Capadocia.

Patrimonio, daughter of former PBA superstar Alvin, escaped with a 6-3, 0-6, 7-6 (5) win that took nearly three hours yesterday over fourth seed Shaira Rivera at the PCA indoor shell-clay courts in Paco, Manila.

“Nawala yung focus ko sa second set, medyo nanggigil ako. Kaya nung third set, ibinalik ko lang yung composure ko at mas naging patient ako,” Patrimonio said.

Her struggle was in stark contrast to Capadocia’s seemingly effortless 6-1, 6-0 demolition of Akiko De Guzman in the other semifinal match.

Patrimonio is aiming for her third straight PCA crown, but Capadocia is by no means a pushover.

“That’s really my goal this year – to reclaim the crown,” said Capadocia, who has won the title four times, the last in 2014.

“It’s been two years and I’m excited to play again in the finals after two years of absence. She’s (Patrimonio) such a great player and you need to be prepared at all times kapag siya ang kalaban. I’ll just do my best,” added Capadocia, who played in ITF tournaments in Europe and Asia before signing up for the PCA Open.

Defending men’s champion Patrick John Tierro also had his hands full in the semifinals, where he came from behind to edge top seed Jeson Patrombon 3-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5.

Tierro will play the winner between ITF juniors campaigner John Bryan Otico and former UAAP MVP Leander Lazaro in the tournament supported by The Philippine Star, Asiatraders Dunlop, Stronghold Insurance, Whirlpool/Fujidenzo, Head, United Auctioneers, Pearl Garden Hotel, Babolat, Tyrecorp Inc., PVL Restaurant, Greenfield Marketers One, Mary Grace Foods Inc., Coca-Cola Philippines-FEMSA, Kraut Art Glass, Manuel Misa and Atty. Antonio Cablitas.