Tierro, Patrombon arrange early tiff of fancied netters

MANILA, Philippines - PJ Tierro and Jeson Patrombon dumped their respective rivals in the second round to set up an early clash of contenders in the men’s singles of the 32nd Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open tennis championships yesterday at the PCA Sports Club.

Second seed Tierro trounced qualifier Andre Banate of Ateneo, 6-1, 6-1, to power his way to the Round-of-16, where the no. 13 Patrombon awaits. Patrombon, a former juniors standout and Davis Cupper, cruised past Bryan de Casa, 6-1, 6-0.

The two will clash tomorrow for a berth in Last 8 phase of the annual P600,000 tournament.

“Hindi ko pa nakakalaban si Jeson, ngayon pa lang, so wala akong idea paano siya (This will be our first time to be pitted against each other so I have little idea how to deal with Patrombon). I’ll just play my game,” said Tierro.

The 20-year-old Patrombon is seeking to go all the way this time after falling short of a semis stint last year.

Top seed and defending Johnny Arcilla easily advanced to the Last-16 with a 6-2, 6-1 romp over Argil Lance Canizares.

“Maganda ang chance, basta maintain lang ang conditioning at stamina (I feel good about my chance, I just have to maintain my stamina),” said Arcilla, who is gunning for an eighth plum. 

Seeded players likewise booked their spots in the next phase.

Third seed Elbert Anasta outclassed Antonio Quiza, 6-2, 6-4; No. 4 Marc Reyes shut out  Rollyto Litang, 6-0, 6-0; No. 6 Ronard Joven edged Jigo Pena, 7-5, 6-3; No. 9 AJ Lim dispatched Al Michael Madrio, 6-1, 6-4; No. 10 Roel Capangpangan beat Raymond Diaz, 7-5, 6-3; No. 11 Kim Saraza