MANILA, Philippines – Armed with newfound skills and knowledge she learned from her two-month training in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Marian Jade Capadocia on Tuesday trounced Angela Cabral, 6-4, 6-2, to set in motion her title bid in the 33rd Phl Columbian Association Open at its Plaza Dilao courts.
Capadocia, a three-time winner in this annual event presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings, though had to battle jetlag after arriving just a day before match against Cabral, who gave the former trouble in the early part of the first set before taking control the rest of the way.
"I'm feeling a little bit off and I can feel my shots because of jetlag," said Capadocia, 19, in Filipino. "I was also trying to force my shots a lot that resulted to me committing unforced errors."
The victory set Capadocia up against a feisty Rafaella Villanueva, who downed Ingrid Gonzales, 6-0, 6-2.
Capadocia's sisters, 21-year-old Jella and 16-year-old Charito, likewise advanced to the next round with wins over Macy Gonzales, 7-6 (4), 6-3, and Janina Luis, 6-3, 6-1, respectively.
And so were Christine and Clarice Patrimonio, daughters of PBA legend Alvin who breezed past Chloe Mae Saraza, 6-2, 6-2 and Anna Vienna Bienes, 6-0, 6-1.
Also surging through were fancied Maika Tanpoco, Hannah Espinosa and Princess Castillo in this 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 Company Inc. and Seno Hardware.
No. 3 Balanga edged Rachelle de Guzman, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5; No. 4 Tanpoco blasted Erika Manduriao, 6-2, 6-2; No. 5 Espinosa blanked Eren Penados, 6-0, 6-0; and Castillo slammed Jennelyn Magpayo, 6-2, 6-0.
No. 6 Marinel Rudas and Jzash Eale Canja made it following walkover triumphs.
Meanwhile, Johnny Arcilla tries to advance further in the men's singles as he clashes with unheralded Jed Olivarez in Wednesday's resumption of men's play.
Also expected to see action are top seed PJ Tierro, No. 3 Marc Anthony Reyes and No. 4 Elbert Anasta, who are paired with Bernardine Siso, Arvin Ruel and Israel Abarquez.
This event is backed by United Auctioneers Inc. Foton, Philippine Sports Commission, TLH Sports & Wellness Center/Solinco, Avida Land Corporation, Stronghold Insurance, Ryobi MHI, GMA 7 and TV 5.