Capadocia arranges q’final match versus Patrimonio

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Marian Jade Capadocia downed youthful Rafaella Villanueva, 6-2, 6-2, yesterday to arrange a quarterfinal showdown with No. 7 Christine Patrimonio in the ladies singles of the 33rd PCA Open at its Plaza Dilao courts yesterday.

Patrimonio recovered from a first-set blowout loss to Fil-Am wildcard Catherine Isip and eked out a 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) win to stay in the title hunt in the event presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings.

“I expect a tough match,” said the 19-year-old Capadocia, a three-time winner here, referring to her duel with Patrimonio.

Christine’s younger sister, second seed Clarice likewise advanced to the Last 8 by trouncing Capadocia’s elder sister Jella, 6-2, 6-2.

But the 21-year-old Clarice will take on Hannah Espinosa, who scored a 4-6, 6-1, 2-0 (ret.) win over Maria Angela Sunga in the tournament supported by Dunlop, Fujidenzo/Whirlpool, Babolat, Hon. Manny Pacquiao, Head, Accel, Malate Bayview Mansion, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc., Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company Inc. and Seno Hardware.

But Clarice feels she’s fit enough to have a crack at winning her first PCA title this year.

“I’m more conditioned this year,” she said.

No. 3 Edilyn Balanga, No. 4 Maika Tanpoco and No. 6 Marinel Rudas beat their respective rivals to also advance in this meet 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.

Balanga smashed Princess Castillo, 6-3, 6-1; Tanpoco blasted Jade Capadocia, 6-1, 6-1; and Rudas clobbered Shaira Rivera, 6-1, 6-1.

In men’s action, top seed PJ Tierro rolled past Bernardine Siso, 6-4, 6-2, while eight-time winner and second pick Johnny Arcilla won by default over Jed Olivarez.