Talatayod off to flying start in PCA Open

MANILA, Philippines - Second seed Aljon Talatayod started his campaign on a strong note in the 33rd Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open with an impressive 6-1, 6-1 victory over Jonel dela Peña in the boys’ 12-under division yesterday in the PCA indoor shell clay courts in Paco, Manila.  

Talatayod will next  meet Elvin Joseph Geluz, who made short work of John Alexander Bayot, 6-0, 6-0.

Unseeded Stefano Gurria provided the opening-day surprise with a 6-2, 7-5 upset of No. 8 seed Jibril Ross Perpetua. Gurria will face Lawrence Quitara who scored a breezy 6-0, 6-0 win against Patrick Robin Pellos.

Also barging into the second round were Alfred Doloroso, Sherwin Villacorte, Jose Rafael Cruz, Enrique Jugo and Czech Daruin Bacungan.

Doloroso defeated Quazvin Ziggy Aben, 6-1, 6-2; Villacorte trounced Philippie Coteron, 6-2, 6-3, and Cruz outclassed Royce Lawrence Ramirez, 6-2, 6-2.

Jugo and Bacungan advanced to the next round via walkover against Marcus Macalalag and Mico Castillo, respectively.

In the 10-under unisex event, John Michael Belo routed Fahad Malic, 4-0, 4-0; James Rohan Cruz crushed Angelo James Rosales, 4-2, 4-1; Brent Nathon So overpowered Michael Angelo German, 4-1, 4-0; and  Marcus Andrei Guinoo clobbered Ken Edward Romen, 4-0, 4-0.

 Jarabet Catahan needed an extra set to beat Ethan Aldrin Geluz, 4-2, 1-4, 4-0; Joaquin De Leon prevailed over April Chrislie Bautista, 4-0, 4-0; and Marielle Alexi Jarata defeated Carl Santos, 4-0, 4-2.

“We’re very happy with the turnout. We see many new faces especially in the juniors’ division, which is always good so we can train them immediately,” PCA chairman Raul Diaz said. “They’re able to feel the pressure of intense tournaments early.”

The event is  presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings and 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 and Standard Insurance.

Other backers are  United Auctioneers Inc. Foton, Philippine Sports Commission, TLH Sports & Wellness Center/Solinco, Avida Land Corporation, Stronghold Insurance, Ryobi MHI and GMA 7.