Junior tiff kicks off PCA Open

MANILA, Philippines - Local tennis stars try to claw their way back on top of the P600,000 Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open as its 33rd edition presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings starts today at the PCA indoor clay courts in Paco, Manila.

The junior netters get things started today and will play until Nov. 9, while competitors in the Inter-Collegiate event prepare to battle it out on Nov. 7, 8 and 23.

Action in the boys’ division will focus on Miguel Luis Vicencio, Daniel Estanislao III, Janus Ringia, Marcus del Rosario, Raphael Teng, Cenon Gonzales Jr., Julian Dayrit and Vince Salas while Hannah Espinosa, Jzash Canja, Monica Cruz, Erika Manduriao, Blanche Cruz, Rafaella Jean Villanueva, Carlyn Guarde and Miles Vitaliano showcase their skills on the girls’ side.

With eight titles under his belt, top seed Johnny Arcilla is far from done as he sets his sights on lucky number nine when the main draw begins on Nov. 15.

The 34-year-old veteran may be an early favorite, but he cannot afford to rely on experience alone. Not with a strong field gunning for his men’s crown.

Among the challengers are Patrick John Tierro, the country’s No. 1 ranked tennis player, Filipino-Italian Marc Anthony Reyes, Alberto Lim Jr., Leander Lazaro, Elbert Anasta, Rolando Ruel Jr. and Jeson Patrombon. 

Marian Jade Capadocia has the same target on her back as she prepares to defend her title in the women’s division. 

The powerhouse Patrimonio sisters -- Anna Christine and Anna Clarice – remain a force to reckon with along with standouts Khim Iglupas, Edilyn Balanga and Maika Tanpoco.

“The stakes are definitely higher this year. I know we say it every year and it’s true every time because the caliber of athletes is getting better and better,” PCA chairman Raul Diaz said.  

The Pro-Am, Inter Club and Executive team events are slated on November 15 in the tournament supported by Cebuana Pera Padala, Micro Insurance, Phiten, Just Jewels, Cebuana Micro Insurance, Hon. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, Dunlop, Fujidenzo/Whirlpool, Babolat, Head, Accel, Malate Bayview Mansion, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc., Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company Inc., Seno Hardware, Standard Insurance, United Auctioneers Inc. Foton, Philippine Sports Commission, TLH Sports & Wellness Center/Solinco, Avida Land Corporation, Stronghold Insurance, Ryobi MHI and GMA 7.