Arcilla, Patrimonio cruise to PCA semis

MANILA, Philippines - Fancied Johnny Arcilla and Anna Clarice Patrimonio stayed on course for their respective title bids as they breezed past their rivals in the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open Tennis Championships at the PCA indoor shell clay court in Paco, Manila yesterday.

Arcilla, a five-time champion in the annual event featuring the country’s leading players and rising stars, eased out Alexander Lazaro, 6-3, 6-1, to advance to the semifinal round of the men’s singles.

Patrimonio, on the other hand, took an easier route to the Final Four with a walkover win against Martina Guba in the tournament presented by Cebuana Lhuillier.

“I need to be consistent that’s why I always dish out my best in every game,” said Arcilla, member of the silver medal team in the recent SEA Games. “A lot of players have improved so there’s no room for overconfidence.”

The 31-year-old Arcilla meets Rolando Ruel Jr., who pulled off a 7-6 (2), 6-4 win over younger brother Arvin.

Patrimonio, meanwhile, battles No. 5 Tamitha Olivarez-Nguyen, who needed an extra set to get past Maika Tanpoco, 6-1, 1-6, 7-5.

Third pick Patrick John Tierro likewise clinched a spot in the semis after fifth seed Ronard Joven retired in the middle of their quarterfinal match due to cramps.

Tierro battles junior netter Jurence Zosimo Mendoza, who knocked out another seeded player in No. 6 Ralph Kevin Barte, 2-6, 7-6 (10), 6-0.

He earlier upended second seed Elbert Anasta.

The win gave Mendoza his first semis appearance in the PCA Open.

Also setting up their semis match are second seed Marian Jade Capadocia and Mariel Ante. Capadocia trounced Marinel Rudas, 6-2, 6-0, while Ante won by default against Louise Alexandra Lopez.

In juniors play, Fritz Verdad recovered in time to beat Alberto Lim Jr., 3-6, 6-0, 6-1, and capture the boys’ 18-under crown.

A total of P500,000 is up for grabs in the event backed by Alagang Cebuana Plus, Just Jewels, Le Soleil De Boracay, Phiten, Pera Padala, Babolat, Head, Dunlop, PVL Restaurant, Whirlpool, Coca-Cola, San Miguel, Lizardo Tennis Academy, Tennis Athletes Unlimited, Phil. Prudential Life Insurance Co., Inc., Gilmore and PLDT.