Capadocia gains after shaky start

MANILA, Philippines - Marian Jade Capadocia overcame jetlag and a number of miscues as she eased out Angela Cabral, 6-4, 6-2, to set her drive for a fourth ladies singles crown in motion in the 33rd PCA Open at Plaza Dilao, Paco yesterday.

Capadocia, who arrived just last Monday from a two-month training in Amsterdam, struggled in the early going but hit her stride in time to master Cabral and advance in the event presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings.

“I’m feeling a little bit off and I can feel my shots because of jetlag,” said the 19-year-old Capadocia. “I was also trying to force my shots a lot that resulted to me committing unforced errors.”

She hopes to settle down when she faces off with Rafaella Villanueva, who downed Ingrid Gonzales, 6-0, 6-2, in the next round.

Capadocia’s sisters, 21-year-old Jella and 16-year-old Charito also advanced to the next phase with the former holding off Macy Gonzales, 7-6 (4), 6-3, and the latter dominating Janina Luis, 6-3, 6-1.

Siblings Christine and Clarice Patrimonio also breezed past Chloe Mae Saraza, 6-2, 6-2 and Anna Vienna Bienes, 6-0, 6-1, respectively, while fancied Maika Tanpoco, Hannah Espinosa and Princess Castillo also posted straight-set wins in the tournament supported by Dunlop, Fujidenzo/Whirlpool, Babolat, Manny Pacquiao, Head, Accel, Malate Bayview Mansion, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc., Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company Inc. and Seno Hardware.

The No. 4 Tanpoco blasted Erika Manduriao, 6-2, 6-2; fifth seed Espinosa blanked Eren Penados, 6-0, 6-0; and Castillo slammed Jennelyn Magpayo, 6-2, 6-0.

No. 6 Marinel Rudas and Jzash Eale Canja also gained with walkover wins.

Meanwhile, second seed Johnny Arcilla resumes his bid for a record ninth men’s singles title as he takes on Jed Olivarez today.

Others seeing action are top seed PJ Tierro, No. 3 Marc Anthony Reyes and No. 4 Elbert Anasta, who will clash with Bernardine Siso, Arvin Ruel and Israel Abarquez, respectively.

The event is backed by United Auctioneers Inc. Foton, Philippine Sports Commission, TLH Sports & Wellness Center/Solinco, Avida Land Corporation, Stronghold Insurance, Ryobi MHI, GMA 7 and TV 5.