Arcilla, Tierro rip foes
Eight-time champion Johnny Arcilla and reigning titlist Patrick John Tierro launched their title bids in grand fashion yesterday by downing their respective rivals with nary a trouble at the start of the 36th Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open at the PCA indoor shell-clay courts in Paco, Manila.
Arcilla crushed Mimo Tomacruz, 6-0, 6-0, while Tierro made short work of Marco Ayala, 6-2, 6-0, to advance into the next round.
“It’s a good start pero ini-expect ko na pabigat ng pabigat ang laban habang tumatagal yung tournament dahil maraming malalakas at mas batang kasali this year. So kailangan ready parati, one game at a time,” said Arcilla.
The 37-year-old Arcilla will face the winner in the match between Stephan Lhuillier and Jan Godfrey Seno.
Tierro, on the other hand, meets the victor in the Ricric Balderas-John Sonsona battle in the tournament sponsored by The Philippine Star, Asian Traders Dunlop, Stronghold Insurance, Whirlpool/Fujidenzo, Head and United Auctioneers.
ITF juniors campaigner John Bryan Otico, Rolando Ruel Jr. and Jose Nicholas Cano also made it to the second round of the event supported by Pearl Garden Hotel, Babolat, Tyrecorp Inc., PVL Restaurant, Greenfield Marketers One, Mary Grace Foods Inc., Kraut Art Glass, Manuel Misa and Atty. Antonio Cablitas.
Otico blanked Feb Deja, 6-0, 6-0, as Ruel outclassed Joshua Kinaadman, 6-2, 6-3. Cano had to squeeze out a 7-5, 6-1 win against veteran netter Rollie Anasta.
Competition in the ladies’ singles starts today with defending champion Clarice Patrimonio going up against Macie Carlos, while second seed Khim Iglupas meets Krizelle Sampaton. Third pick Marian Jade Capadocia and No. 4 Shaira Rivera battle Alyssa Bornia and Justine Maneja, respectively.
The winner in the men’s singles takes home ₱100,000 as the ladies’ singles champ pockets ₱50,000.
“The PCA Open serves as venue where our school youth can develop interest in the sport and gradually hone their athletic skill and competitiveness to bring about a healthy body, greater immune system, improved physical functions, and all the necessary ingredients for superior mental ability as well,” said PCA president Raul Diaz.