Tierro gains 3rd round; Arcilla, Lim also win
Defending champion Patrick John Tierro, eight-time titlist Johnny Arcilla and fast-rising Albert “AJ” Lim hurdled their respective rivals in the 34th Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open-Cebuana Lhuillier Wildcard Event yesterday at the PCA claycourts in Paco, Manila.
Banking on his vast experience, Tierro blanked Ken Paradela, 8-0, in their super tiebreak match and advanced to the third round of the event where the regular three-set format will be applied.
The organizers were forced to apply the super tiebreak in the first two rounds due to huge number of participants.
Also advancing to the next phase were fifth seed Rolando Ruel Jr., who nipped Hans Asistio, 8-1; No. 9 Marc Reyes, who dumped Bernardine Siso, 8-1; and Arcie Mano, who scuttled Jason Timbal, 8-1.
Arcilla, on the other hand, made his presence felt as he walloped Laurence Obdina, 8-2, in their first round showdown.
Like Tierro and other opening day winners, Arcilla complained that the newly renovated claycourt surface was too slow.
It was strange feeling for the player who calls PCA his “home away from home.”
“Hirap akong maka-break dito sa clay court na to,” said Arcilla. “Pero lahat naman kami nag-a-adjust sa bagong surface kaya tingin ko pantay din ang laban ngayon.”
Lim was equally impressive, crushing Rey Mayo, 8-1, behind his blazing serves and constant net attacks.
Other winners for the day were No. 8 Ronard Joven, who edged Sebastian Mosqueda, 8-5; No. 12 Roel Capangpangan, who thumped Joshua Kinaadman, 8-4; and No. 14 Dheo Talatayod , who bested Jeric Delos Santos, 8-7 (1).