Arcilla, Tierro banner elite PCA roster

MANILA, Philippines - Johnny Arcilla and PJ Tierro headline the star-studded 33rd Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open men’s singles tennis tournament presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings, which unfolds Saturday at the PCA’s Plaza Dilao courts in Paco, Manila.

Arcilla kicks off his bid for a record ninth PCA crown against unfancied Miguel dela Paz while fellow Davis Cup veteran Tierro, the top seed in the blue-ribbon event due to his high Philta rankings, is eyeing his first-ever PCA title and will play Joshua Cano in the opener of the P600,000 tournament.

Also tipped to contend for the crown worth P100,000 are Marc Reyes, Nelbert Anasta, youthful AJ Lim and Rolando Ruel Jr.

Reyes thinks Arcilla has the edge in terms of experience and familiarity with the courts.

“He (Arcilla) knows the surface well and he is the most experienced player here so I think he will be tough to beat,” said Reyes.

The women’s division, which stakes P50,000 to the champion, is expected to be equally exciting with last year’s winner Marian Jade Capadocia facing still challenge from siblings Anne Clarice and Christine Patrimonio, Maika Tanpoco and Marinel Rudas.

“Cebuana Lhuillier has been a long-time partner of the PCA in its annual tournament for seven years now because we believe in its goal of providing a proper venue for competition for junior Filipino netters,” said Cebuana Lhuillier’s Jean Henri Lhuillier through Danny Francisco in yesterday’s press launch.

“Youth development through sports is also both a personal advocacy of mine and part of the corporate social responsibility of Cebuana Lhuillier, and the PCA Open complements that,” he added.

Also in attendance were PCA president Philip Ycasiano and chairman Raul Diaz, and Phl Sports commissioner Buddy Andrada.

The PCA Open, which has produced the likes of Arcilla and Tierro plus Francis Casey Alcantara and Kyle Dandan, is sponsored by Dunlop, Fujidenzo/Whirlpool, Babolat, Manny Pacquaio, Head, ACCEL, Malate Bayview Mansion, Coca-Cola, Purdential Life, Seno Hardware, Standard Insurance, United Auctioneers, Inc., PSC, TLH Sports & Wellness Center/Solinco, Avida Land Corp., Stronghold Insurance, Ryobi MHI and GMA 7.