Capadocia beats Villanueva, meets Patrimonio in PCA Open quarters

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion Marian Jade Capadocia downed youthful Rafaella Villanueva, 6-2, 6-2, on Wednesday to barge into the quarterfinals of the 33rd Phl Columbian Association Open at its Plaza Dilao courts.

The top-seeded Capadocia, 19, thus forged an interesting quarters showdown with seventh pick Christine Patrimonio, who engaged Fil-Am wildcard Catherine Isip to a dogfight before prevailing with a marathon 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) win in this event presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings.

"I expect a tough match," said Capadocia, a three-time winner here, referring to her duel with Patrimonio, one of the two tennis-playing daughters of PBA legend Alvin.

Christine's younger sister, second seed Clarice likewise advanced to the next round by trouncing Capadocia's elder sibling Jella, 6-2, 6-2.

There, the 21-year-old Clarice tackles a dangerous Hannah Espinosa, who was leading Maria Angela Sunga, 4-6, 6-1, 2-0, before the latter retired in this tournament supported by Dunlop, Fujidenzo/Whirlpool, Babolat, Hon. Manny Pacquiao, Head, Accel, Malate Bayview Mansion, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc., Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company Inc. and Seno Hardware.

Clarice thinks she's fit enough to have a chance of winning her first PCA title this year.

"I'm more conditioned this year," she said.

No. 3 Edilyn Balanga, No. 4 Maika Tanpoco and No. 6 Marinel Rudas downed their respective foes to also advance in this meet 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.

Balanga smashed Princess Castillo, 6-3, 6-1; Tanpoco blasted Jade Capadocia, 6-1, 6-1; and Rudas clobbered Shaira Rivera, 6-1, 6-1.

In men's action, top seed PJ Tierro made quick work of Bernardine Siso, 6-4, 6-2, while eight-time winner and second pick Johnny Arcilla made it through without breaking a sweat after a no-show by Jed Olivarez.

Tierro will play the winner of the Kim Saraza-Marc Alcoseba duel while Arcilla clashes with the winner between AJ Lim and Arcie Mano.