John Bryan Otico enters PCA Open semifinal vs Vicente Anasta

MANILA, Philippines — John Bryan Otico slammed eighth seed Ronard Joven, 6-0, 7-5, yesterday to barge into the semifinals and stay on course for a back-to-back title bid in the men’s division of the 37th PCA Open at the Plaza Dilao courts in Paco, Manila.

Otico, who made history last year by emerging the first unseeded player to ever win in this annual tournament, thus forged an intriguing semis showdown with Vicente Anasta, who stunned fourth pick PJ Tierro, 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-1.

Third seed Jeson Patrombon likewise advanced to the next round by eliminating multi-titled Johnny Arcilla, 7-5, 6-4.

Patrombon will tackle the winner in the match between second seed Francis Casey Alcantara and Fritz Verdad. The match was ongoing at press time.

In women’s doubles, sisters Clarice and Christine Patrimonio smashed Alexa McLean and Bettina Bautista, 6-0, 6-1, to surge into the finals.

There, the Patrimonio siblings, daughters of PBA great Alvin, will battle Aileen Rogan and Bambi Zoleta, who bested Denise Bernardo and Akiko de Guzman, 6-3, 6-0.