Capadocia, Tanpoco duel for PCA title

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning titlist Marian Jade Capadocia bolstered her chances for a  fourth singles crown in the P600,000 Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open with a 7-5, 6-4 squeaker against sixth seed Marinel Rudas yesterday at the PCA indoor courts.

“I played a power game in the first set, and I committed unforced errors. I changed the style in the latter part and did things more patiently,” said the 19-year-old Capadocia.

The only one standing in Capadocia’s way is fourth pick Maika Tanpoco, who took the other finals seat at the expense of No. 5 Hannah Espinosa, 6-1, 6-0.

“I knew Maika would play 100 percent, so I just tried to keep the pace because I want to extend my reign here as long as I can,” said Capadocia.

Capadocia and Tanpoco clash at 11 a.m. today, before the men’s duel between defending champ Johnny Arcilla and No. 1 pick Patrick John Tierro.

Battling it out for the men’s doubles title are the formidable tandem of Arcilla and Kyle Joshua Dandan against Johnny’s younger sibling Joseph and Kim Saraza while the Capadocia sisters – Marian Jade and Jella – will face the power duo of Rudas and Edilyn Balanga for the ladies’ doubles crown.

 The tournament is 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.

It is presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings and  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.