Reyes off to fiery start in PCA Open

MANILA, Philippines - Italy-based Filipino Marc Reyes overpowered juniors campaigner Akio Sy, 6-2 6-0, to roll into the third round of the 29th Philippine Columbian Association Open at the PCA’s Plaza Dilao’s clay courts in Paco, Manila.

The 21-year-old Reyes, who lost to four-time champion Johnny Arcilla in last year’s finals, outclassed Sy with his power game to set up a duel with the winner between Kim Saraza and Japanese Kento Kajiwara, who are still playing at press time.

Davis Cup veteran Elbert Anasta also advanced with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Peter Egos, while Ralph Kevin Barte repulsed Japan’s Yuji Nishi, 6-1, 3-6, 6-2, in the P500,000 event presented by Cebuana Lhuillier.

Also moving into the next round were Arcie Mano, Ruel Capangpangan and Alexander Lazaro.

Mano turned back national team coach Chris Cuarto, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4; Capangpangan pummeled Jacob Lagman, 6-3, 6-2; and the power-hitting Lazaro smashed Mario Sabas, 6-1, 6-3.

Meanwhile, former RP No. 1 Czarina Arevalo took a break from her studies in Bangkok to defend her crown in the ladies of the event which also features the Patrimonio sisters Clarice and Christine.

Also in the fold is Fil-Am Desirae Krawczyk, who is coming off a victory in the Phinma International last week.

The men’s singles champion will pocket P100,000 while the women’s titlist will get P50,000.