Patrimonio gains PCA quarters
Reigning champion Clarice Patrimonio and four-time titlist Marian Jade Capadocia routed their respective rivals and barged into the quarterfinals of the ladies’ singles of the 36th Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open at the PCA indoor shell-clay courts in Paco, Manila. Patrimonio downed Princess Catindig, 6-2, 6-0, while Capadocia conducted a clinic against Khryshana Brazal, 6-0, 6-0. “It sounds cliché but it’s true, just one game at a time. Kailangan kong mag-focus kung sino ang susunod kong kalaban, hindi pwedeng magjump sa semis or finals. I’m just taking it one game at a time,” said the sheepishly grinning Patrimonio, who eyes her third consecutive title.
Patrimonio is set to clash with Jhastine Red Ballado, who bested Jed Aquino, 6-1, 6-3, while Capadocia battles Sydney Ezra Enriquez who defeated Melanie Faye Dizon, 6-0, 6-0.
Other rated players who also secured their spots in the quarterfinals were Khrizelle Sampaton, Shaira Rivera and Rachelle De Guzman who disposed of Gie Gatchalian (6-0, 6-3), Rafaella Villanueva (via walkover) and Madison Kane (via walkover), respectively.
In the men’s division, making the list of quarterfinalists were reigning champion Patrick John Tierro, FilipinoItalian Marc Anthony Reyes, ITF juniors campaigner John Bryan Otico and Fritz Verdad who ousted their respective foes in the tournament supported by The Philippine Star, Asian Traders Dunlop, Stronghold Insurance, Whirlpool/Fujidenzo, Head, United Auctioneers, Pearl Garden Hotel, Babolat, Tyrecorp Inc., PVL Restaurant, Greenfield Marketers One, Mary Grace Foods Inc., CocaCola Philippines-FEMSA, Kraut Art Glass, Manuel Misa and Atty. Antonio Cablitas.
Tierro outlasted John Altiche, 6-3, 3-0 (ret.) while Reyes got the best of Dave Mosqueda, 6-2, 6-0. Otico pulled another upset, this time against Ronard Joven, 7-6, (3), 6-3, and Verdad crushed Jose Maria Pague, 6-1, 6-1.