Marian Jade Capadocia upends Christine Patrimonio, gains semis

MANILA, Philippines — Marian Jade Capadocia lived up to her top billing as she slammed Christine Patrimonio, 6-2, 6-1, yesterday to catch the last semifinals bus in the women’s singles of the 37th Phl Columbian Association Open at the PCA’s Plaza Dilao shell courts in Paco, Manila.

It was another impressive victory for the 23-year-old Capadocia, who is seeking a sixth title overall in this annual tournament.

Capadocia, however, would need to first hurdle third seed Kim Iglupas, a 6-3, 6-2 winner over Althea Fae Ong,  to reach the finals for the fifth straight year and extend her dynastic reign as the country’s best netter.

On the other side of the bracket, second seed Clarice Patrimonio, daughter of PBA great Alvin and younger sister of   Christine,   is expected to give the defending champion a run for her money.

Patrimonio, 25, easily dispatched No. 8 Arianne Nillasca, 6-0, 6-2, to likewise advance to the semis where she will tackle Shaira Rivera, who slammed Akiko de Guzman, 6-2, 6-0.

Patrimonio is gunning for her first title after winning this same tournament two straight times in 2015 and 2016 before Capadocia dethroned her last year.