Arcilla, Tierro advance with straight-set triumphs

MANILA, Philippines - Johnny Arcilla blanked Alberto Villamor, 6-0, 6-0, while PJ Tierro turned back Macren Angelo Gonzalez, 6-4, 6-3, yesterday as the fancied duo advanced in the men’s singles of the 33rd PCA Open at Plaza Dilao in Paco, Manila.

The second seeded Arcilla, 34, turned in a near-flawless game to ease out Villamor and arrange a clash with Jed Olivarez, who booted out No. 14 Dheo Talatayod, 6-2, 6-2, while top pick Tierro, 29, used his experience to frustrate Gonzales for a duel with Bernardine Siso, who thwarted fellow qualifier Angelo Esguerra, 7-6 (5), 6-2. 

“I committed less mistakes in this match that’s why it was a little quick,” said Arcilla, chasing a record ninth title in the annual tournament presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings.

“This is helpful because it gives me extra rest going into matches ahead, which I expect to get tougher,” he added.

But while Arcilla had a relatively easy time against Villamor, Tierro struggled past a young but stubborn Gonzales.

“He (Gonzales) played aggressively and kept hitting those shots,” said Tierro. “Good thing I used my experience and found a way to beat him.”

Others who gained in the event, backed by Dunlop, Fujidenzo/Whirlpool, Babolat, Hon. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, Head, Accel, Malate Bayview Mansion, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc., Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Co., Inc. and Seno Hardware, were last year’s losing finalist No. 3 Marc Anthony Reyes, No. 5 Rolando Ruel Jr., No. 6 AJ Lim and No. 7 Marc Alcoseba.

Reyes smashed Bernan Lou Bering, 6-3, 6-0; Ruel downed Jigo Pena, 6-4, 6-2; Lim clobbered Fritz Verdad, 6-0, 6-1; and Alcoseba waylaid Rommel Openiano, 6-2, 6-4.

Arvin Ruel and Ronald Joven also joined the seeded bets in the next round, easing out Kristian Tesorio, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, and Roderick Agna, 6-3, 6-1, respectively, in the event supported by United Auctioneers Inc. Foton, PSC, TLH Sports & Wellness Center/Solinco, Avida Land Corp., Stronghold Insurance, Ryobi MHI, GMA 7 and TV 5. 

Reigning women’s champion Marian Jade Capadocia, meanwhile, tackles Angela Cabaral today while sisters Clarice and Christine Patrimonio collide with Anna Vienna Bienes and Chloe Mae Saraza, respectively, at resumption of action in the women’s section.