MANILA, Philippines - Johnny Arcilla and Marian Jade Capadocia fashioned out a pair of straight-set victories over their fancied rivals to storm into the semifinal round of their respective divisions in the 33rd PCA Open at Plaza Dilao, Paco yesterday.
The second seeded Arcilla, 34, struggled in the early going but settled down in time to clip young Alberto Lim Jr., 6-4, 6-0, and arrange a semis duel with No. 5 Rolando Ruel Jr., who upended Elbert Anasta, 7-6(3), 1-6, 7-5.
Top seed Patrick John Tierro joined Arcilla in the Final Four after turning back No. 7 Marc Alcoseba, 6-4, 6-0. Tierro will take on the winner between No. 3 Marc Reyes and No. 9 Ronard Joven.
“I was a bit nervous in the first set since I was up against a young rival, who actually beat me in the Philippine National Games last May. So I really stayed focused and took control in the early going with my solid serves,” said Arcilla, seeking his ninth crown in the annual event presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings.
In women’s play, Capadocia held off No. 7 Christine Patrimonio in the second set to carve out a 6-1, 6-4, and seal a semis duel with sixth pick Marinel Rudas, who stunned No. 3 Edilyn Balanga, 6-1, 6-4.
Fifth pick Hannah Grace Espinosa’s relentless assaults caught No. 2 Clarice Patrimonio off guard en route to a 7-6 (0), 2-6, 6-3 upset win.
Espinosa will nexrt meet No. 4 Maika Tanpoco, who routed unseeded Jzash Eale Canja, 6-0, 6-1, in the tournament sponsored 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.