Arcilla seeks 3rd Open plum

MANILA, Philippines – Johnny Arcilla gears up for a tough outing against equally top-conditioned rivals as he guns for a sweep of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala Open crowns in the Dagitab Festival Open Tennis Championship firing off today at the Naga City Tennis Club in Cebu.

Arcilla, the many-time PCA Open champion, bested a talent-laden field to cop the Tuna Festival Open title in Gen. Santos City last September then flashed the same form to capture the Pintaflores plum in San Carlos early last month.

“I’ve prepared hard for this since I want to win Palawan Pawnshop’s year-end tournament and complete a sweep,” said Arcilla. “But I expect the field to be doubly tougher, especially PJ (Tierro).”

Tierro, a veteran Davis Cupper like Arcilla, is the event’s top seed and is expected to meet the likes of either No. 3 Vicente Anasta, fifth-ranked Fritz Verdad or No. 7 Roel Capangpangan for a crack at the crown while Arcilla, at No. 2, is tipped to get through No. 4 Ronard Joven, sixth-ranked Arvin Ruel or No. 8 John Mari Altiche for a shot at a third Open title.

 The event, sponsored by Palawan Pawnshop,  is held as part of the Dagitab Festival celebrations.