Arcilla bags title in Lhuillier netfest

Top seed Johnny Arcilla of Air Force flashed his savageform to win the P200,000 first leg of the Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Circuit yesterday at the Manila Polo Club Indoor court.

Arcilla, banking on his powerful forehand, clobbered third seed Adelo Abadia, 6-2, 6-1, to capture his fourth consecutive title this year.

"Nabibigla siya sa lakas ng forehand ko," said Arcilla after the 65-minute encounter.

Arcilla, champion in Bohol, Mandaue and Subic, received the champion’s purse worth P30,000 in cash and a trophy from Cebuana Lhuillier EVP and general manager Jean Henri Lhuillier, who is behind this event sponsored by Accel Sports, Le Soleil de Boracay, Head Penn, City Garden Hotel Makati, Oceanic 1911, All-Care Insurance, Chris Sports Plaza, Linden Suites and Key Print.

"Kabisado ko na ang laro niya kaya alam ko kung saan niya ilalagay ang bola," added Arcilla, who is now 4-0 in their final match-up.

Abadia tried to put up a gallant stand against the country’s No. 1 player but to no avail.

"Sobrang lakas yung forehand niya, di ko makita yung bola," said Abadia, who led 2-1 in the first set before Arcilla fought back to wrap up the set after 48 minutes.

"Ito ang pinakamagandang nilaro ni Johnny sa final," said Abadia, who held his serve in the fifth game of the second set.

The second leg will be held on Aug. 18-24 at the Subic Bay International Tennis Center.