Arcilla seeks 2nd crown in Palawan Open

MANILA, Philippines - Johnny Arcilla guns for a second straight title in as many weeks as he leads the elite men’s field in the third Cainta-Palawan Pawnshop Open Tennis Championships today at Brookside Hills Tennis Club in Cainta, Rizal.

Arcilla thwarted doubles partner Vicente Anasta, 6-1, 7-5, 6-4, in the finals to cop the Olivarez Cup diadem in Sucat last Sunday and head to this week’s tournament oozing with confidence and carrying the so-called momentum.

The top-seeded many-time PCA Open champion takes on Rollie Anasta while the No. 2 Vicente Anasta collides with Kristian Tesorio in two of the 12 matches lined up in a busy day at Brookside’s shell courts.

Third seed Patrick Tierro faces off Calvin Canlas, No. 4 Rolando Ruel Jr. battles Arjohn Dela Cruz, fifth ranked Alexander Lazaro squares off with Dheo Talatayod and No. 6 Roel Capangpangan mixes it up with Romel Openiano in the event presented by Palawan Pawnshop and held in cooperation with Mayor Mon Ilagan and Babolat.

“With the best in the fold, we expect another action-packed week,” said Palawan Pawnshop COO Bobby Castro, whose all-out support to tennis, including a year-round, nationwide circuit, has given the national pool players and young aspirants a regular venue to hone their talent and skills.

“It is our desire to help the sport and produce world class netters because we believe that Filipino players can be at par with the best,” said Castro.

The week-long tournament will be followed by the Palawan Pawnshop Age Group match on March 30-April 3.

Marian Capadocia, who stunned last year’s champion Clarice Patrimonio to snatch the ladies title in the Olivarez Cup, also shoots for a follow-up win against practically the same field, including the No. 2 Patrimonio, top seed Marinel Rudas, fourth ranked Alyssa Labay, No. 5 Ailee Rogan and sixth seed Roxanne Resma.