PCA Open: Easy does it for Arcilla, Alcantara
JOHNNY Arcilla and Francis Casey Alcantara encountered little resistance yesterday and cruised to the fourth round of the 34th Philippine Columbian Association Open-Cebuana Lhuillier Wildcard Event at the PCA clay courts in Paco.
The eight-time champion Arcilla subdued Abson John Alejandre of North Cotabato, 6-1, 60, after Alcantara, a former Australian Open doubles junior champion, made Joel Atienza pay, 6-4, 6-2, for his erratic play.
“I have to be ready each time because the games are becoming more and more intense,” said the 35-year-old Arcilla.
He will next face Arthur Craig Pantino, who repulsed Kyle Parpan, 5-7, 6-2, 6-0, in the tournament supported by Puma, Dunlop, Head, Babolat, Compass-Imosti and boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao.
Defending champion Patrick John Tierro also advanced after downing Neil Tangali, 6-1, 6-1, while fifth seed Rolando Ruel Jr. and Ronard Joven progressed with victories over Leandro Lazaro, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, and Raymond Diaz, 6-1, 6-2, respectively.
Other results saw Noel Damian Jr. defeat No. 15 Arcie Mano, 6-7 (8), 6-1, 6-2, and Stefan Suarez win via walkover against an injured ninth seed Marc Reyes.
The finalists in the men’s singles will punch tickets to the main draw of the 2015 Manila International Tennis Federation Men’s Futures Leg 2 on Oct. 2. The semifinalists and quarterfinalists will gain spots in the qualifying round.
Only the winners in the men’s doubles will earn spots in the ITF’s 16-pair main draw. Action begins in men’s doubles today while the ladies singles kicks off tomorrow.