Chung, Tierro arrange title clash

Defending champion Chung Hee Seok of Korea and Filipino No. 1 Patrick John Tierro scored abbreviated victories over their respective rivals to arrange a showdown for the men’s singles crown in the PCA Open Tennis Championships at the PCA shell courts yesterday.

Chung encountered little resistance from a hurting Johnny Arcilla, who led briefly in the first set, 3-2, before eventually bowing out due to ankle injury, 6-3, 4-0, while Tierro hardly worked out a sweat as Bum Seo Yong retired due to back spasm with the Filipino second seed ahead, 2-0.

"I saw him grimace even in warm up," said the 20-year-old Tierro.

Arcilla injured his right ankle during his quarterfinal match against Rolando Ruel Jr. last Thursday but still came into the semis match against his tormentor in the 2003 and 2004 PCA Open final determined to beat the Korean ace.

"There’s no more chance so I told myself that I must give it all," said the 25-year-old Arcilla in Filipino.

The former RP No. 1 and PCA champion in 2001 indeed gave Chung a big scare with his serve and volley game but the effort took its toll on his heavily bandaged foot, which Chung pounced on.

The Korean then turned the tables around with his sharp forehand shots to take the set then wore down Arcilla in the second to win the first four games.

Tierro’s match proved quicker as the third seeded Bum suddenly abandoned the match favoring his aching back on the way to his corner.

"I feel very confident (against Chung). He’s experienced but I’m playing okay too,’’ said Tierro.

"Of course I’m going all out to win the title. I hope my percentage on service will be high," said Tierro, whose main weapon against the seasoned Korean is his booming serves and powerful forehands.

The event sponsored by Solar Sports, Accel, PVL Restaurant-Little Lawrence, Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sun Village, Las Palmas, Powerade, Coca-Cola, Stronghold Insurance, San Miguel Brewery, Maresa Creative Group, Cel Consuledator, PMS Ship Agency, MILS, Equitable-PCI, Burlington, Dunlop and Pixel Project.