Capadocia survives Iglupas

MANILA, Philippines - Marian Jade Capadocia survived a major scare from upset-conscious Khim Iglupas, pulling through with a come-from-behind 5-7, 7-5, 6-4 squeaker to stay on track for a third straight women’s singles crown yesterday in the 32nd Philippine Columbian Association Open at the PCA covered courts.

The top-seeded Capadocia was pushed to the limit in the two-and-a-half hour semis encounter by No. 7 Iglupas but summoned all her willpower to fight back and salvage a spot to today’s championship match against No. 2 Clarice Patrimonio.

The daughter of PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio had a relatively easier advance, bundling out No. 3 Edilyn Balanga, 6-4, 6-3.

Men’s top seed Johnny Arcilla teamed up with Kyle Dandan to turn back No. 2 Leander Lazaro and Ronard Joven, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-2, to cop the men’s doubles plum and the P50,000 purse.

It was a good warmup for the 33-year-old Arcilla who will shoot for his eighth singles title today at 1 p.m. against Fil-Italian Marc Reyes following the 11 a.m. duel between three-peat-seeking Capadocia and Patrimonio.

Iglupas, 14, jumped the gun on Capadocia with a stunning 7-5 verdict in the first set and threatened to complete the biggest reversal in the P600,000 tourney when she seized a 4-0 tear in the second stanza.

Her reign on the line, Capadocia decided to take a different tactic and engaged the less-experienced Iglupas in longer rallies while patiently waiting for the opening.

“Parang gusto ko lang, balik-balik muna yung bola sa kanya para makita ko ang palo niya, kung saan ko ilalagay at kung san siya magkakamali (I wanted long rallies to get a better view of her shots and make adjustments),” said a relieved Capadocia.

“Puso talaga iyung gumana para makahabol (It was all heart; I really wanted to get back into the game),” she added.

Enjoying a new lease on life, Capadocia did not let this one slip away again, using her experience to get the better of Iglupas in their exchanges in the decider, where she set a 4-2 cushion.