Arcilla opens PCA title defense vs Dela Paz

MANILA, Philippines - Eight-time champion Johnny Arcilla starts his title-retention bid when he faces Miguel Dela Paz as action resumes today in the 33rd Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings at the PCA indoor courts in Paco, Manila.

Top seed Patrick John Tierro, No. 3 Marc Anthony Reyes and fourth pick Elbert Anasta will also be taking front and center in the men’s singles event as they square off with their respective rivals.

Tierro will try to put a stop to boys’ 18-under champion Joshua Cano’s winning streak in the first round of the tournament supported by Dunlop, Fujidenzo/Whirlpool, Babolat, Hon. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, Head, Accel, Malate Bayview Mansion, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc., Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Co. Inc. and Seno Hardware.

Reyes, last year’s runner-up, is expected to come out strong as he battles John Jeric Accion while Anasta meets Bryan Otico.

Other ranked players are also gearing up to stamp their class right off the gates. Fifth ranked Rolando Ruel Jr. faces Jhun Anthony Alcoseba, No. 6 Alberto Lim Jr. goes up against Antonio Sagansay, and No. 8 Roel Capangpangan is pitted against Gabby Gutierrez.

Men’s doubles matches will start tomorrow in the event also backed by United Auctioneers Inc. Foton, Philippine Sports Commission, TLH Sports & Wellness Center/Solinco, Avida Land Corp., Stronghold Insurance, Ryobi MHI, GMA 7 and TV 5.

Reigning champ Marian Jade Capadocia will start her campaign against the country’s top netters in the ladies’ singles on Tuesday, November 18. Matches in the ladies’ doubles division will be featured on Wednesday, November 19.

A total of P600,000 cash prize is up for grabs with the champion in the men’s singles event taking home P100,000, while the runner-up collects P50,000.

Meanwhile, in the Inter-Collegiate event, National University and University of Santo Tomas (UST)-A share the lead in the women’s Group A division after two straight victories.

The standouts from NU clobbered Ateneo de Manila University (3-0) and University of the Philippines (UP)-B (3-0), while UST-A whipped Ateneo (3-0) and UP-B (2-1).