Tierro ends Arcilla’s reign

MANILA, Philippines - Patrick John Tierro finally ended Johnny Arcilla’s reign as PCA Open king, hacking out a 7-6(4), 7-6(4), 2-6, 6-3 victory to annex his first championship in the 33rd edition of the annual event at the PCA indoor courts in Paco, Manila yesterday.

Tierro pulled through in a pair of pulsating tiebreakers, bounced back from a third set meltdown before reasserting his might in the fourth to carve out the hard-earned four-hour victory, his first after four runner-up finishes.

“I can’t describe the feeling. I worked hard for this win since I knew Johnny’s ability and stayed focused all game,” said the 29-year-old Tierro, who pocketed the top P100,000 purse.

The eight-time champion Arcilla settled for P50,000.

Marian Jade Capadocia, on the other hand, overwhelmed fourth seed Maika Tanpoco, 6-1, 6-0, to seal her fourth ladies’ singles crown in the tournament backed by Dunlop, Fujidenzo/Whirlpool, Babolat, Manny Pacquiao, Head, Accel, Malate Bayview Mansion, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc., Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company Inc. and Seno Hardware.

“I played it cool and didn’t rush my shots that’s why I got good results. I also studied her moves to know how and when to attack her,” said Capadocia, who received P50,000 for her feat.

Tanpoco took home P25,000 in the event 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.

But Capadocia failed to make it a twinkill as she and younger sister Jella bowed to Marinel Rudas and Edilyn Balanga, 5-7, 6-2, 5-7, in the ladies doubles final. The Rudas-Balanga tandem won P25,000 while the Capadocia sisters got P10,000.