Arevalo rips Patrimonio, closes in on fifth crown

MANILA, Philippines - Former RP No. 1 Czarina Mae Arevalo recalled her old form as she smashed the fast-rising Anna Clarice Patrimonio, 6-2, 6-3, yesterday to close in on a possible fifth title in the Philippine Columbian Association Open at the PCA Plaza Dilao indoor courts in Paco, Manila.

Arevalo, a four-time winner in this annual tournament, arranged an interesting title showdown today with Anna Clarice’s elder sister Anna Christine Patrimonio, who walloped childhood buddy Jessica Agra, 6-3, 6-2, in the other semifinal match.

Arevalo, who studied and trained in Bangkok, Thailand, will shoot for a fifth title that could erase the stigma of a heartbreaking defeat to Bambi Zoleta in the finals last year.

Meanwhile, the fourth-seed pair of Francis Casey Alcantara and Ronard Joven surprised two-time champion and Davis Cuppers Johnny Arcilla and Patrick John Tierro, 7-6 (2), 6-2, to claim the men’s doubles crown.

Alcantara, an Australian Open junior doubles champion, and Joven topped second picks Elbert Anasta and Rolando Ruel Jr., 6-1, 4-6, 6-1, in Friday’s semifinals.

“There’s going to be a lot of running for sure, and I’ll be ready,” said Patrimonio, playing her first tournament after being idle the last four months.

The event is backed by The Philippine STAR, Pera Padala, Alagang Cebuana Plus, Just Jewels, Le Soleil De Boracay, Phiten, Accel, Coca-Cola Bottlers, Dunlop, San Miguel, Universal Paint, Pagcor, Pet One, Little Lawrence, Babolat, Philta, Whirlpool, Pixel Project, Burlington Sports Socks, RFM Corp, Shirt Republik and Solar Sports.

Patrimonio said familiarity with Agra’s game made the victory easier.

She broke Agra in the sixth game to take the opening set and dominated the second with a 4-0 advantage as Agra struggled.

Agra’s serve-and-volley worked as she got the fifth and seventh frames but Anna Christine kept her composure and went on to score a straight-set win.