All eyes on Tierro as PCA begins

The 34th Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open-Cebuana Lhuillier Wildcard Event starts today with focus on Patrick John Tiero’s back-toback bid at the PCA Open clay courts in Paco, Manila.

Tierro, however, is hard-pressed to repeat as champion as eight-time titlist Johnny Arcilla and former Australian Open juniors doubles champion Francis Casey Alcantara are aching to spoil his bid in the event supported by Cebuana Lhuillier, Puma, Dunlop, Philippine Star, Head, Babolat, Compass/IMOSTI and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao.

While Arcilla remains a threat, Tierro considers the younger Alcantara as the most dangerous among his rivals.

He has a reason to be more wary of Alcantara because it was the young turk who beat him in the finals of Olivarez Cup last month.

With automatic slots in the 2015 Manila International Tennis Federation (ITF) Men’s Futures Leg 2 at stake, fans are again looking for another intense showdown for the title.

“We at Cebuana Lhuillier are excited to renew our commitment to support PCA Open especially with this year’s edition being an international laden tournament. This will provide our top players the chance to test their mettle against some of the world’s best players and improve their world rankings,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President/CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.

Also tipped to perform well are top junior player Alberto Lim Jr. Elbert Anasta, Kyle Joshua Dandan, Marc Reyes, Jurence Mendoza, and Jeson Patrombon.

Without four-time champion Marian Jade Capadocia to defend her title, the Patrimonio sisters – Anna Christine and Anna Clarice – will have the opportunity to win the crown that has eluded them for years.

But they will have to hurdle Khim Iglupas, Roxanne Resma, Edilyn Balanga, Marinel Rudas, Mae Siso, Hannah Espinosa, Maia Balce and Erika Manduriao if they want to arrange a title clash.