MANILA, Philippines - Marc Sieber takes on unfancied Jarryd Manduriao, upbeat of his chances for a big start in his drive to re-claim the men’s singles title in the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open Tennis Championships presented by Cebuana Lhuillier today at the PCA courts in Paco, Manila.
The 24-year Fil-German, whose mother hails from Cagayan de Oro, topped the event in 2010, beating Johnny Arcilla, and went on to launch a career in pro circuit where he is now ranked 516th. He signified his intention to play for the Philippines for the Davis Cup but failed to secure a Filipino passport.
With his comeback, Sieber is expected to once again renew his bid to play for the country in future international competitions.
His stint here, along with those of foreign-based Filipino Cuppers Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales, is bankrolled by Jean Henri Lhuillier, who is also the Phl Davis Cup manager.
“This is the first time we have in attendance all the top talents in the country,” said national coach and PCA Open chair Roland Kraut. “We are very excited to see who among them will emerge as the best.”
Gonzales, the second seed, will battle junior standout Dheo Talatayod in the opening round, while Huey will see action tomorrow against Enrique Ferrer in the event backed by Kia, Dunlop, Babolat, Head, PCSO and Pvl Restaurants.
Arcilla, a six-time champion, will also begin his campaign today against a qualifier yet to be determined, while Fil-Italian Marc Reyes, a finalist in 2009, will square off with Juan Gabriel Peña.
Former junior hotshots Francis Casey Alcantara and Jeson Patrombon, who are now Davis Cup regulars, face off with Kristian Tesorio and a lucky loser from the qualifying round still being played at press time, respectively.
Last year’s runner-up, 16-year-old Jurence Mendoza gets to play tomorrow against John Altiche. Among the seeded players launching their campaigns today are fourth seed Phl Cupper Elbert Anasta who will take on a lucky loser, sixth seed and former national team stalwart PJ
Tierro who will play a qualifier.
Eighth seed Rolando Ruel will clash with JR Moreno today, while another wildcard and former junior standout Kyle Dandan will square off with Rolly Anasta tomorrow.