PCA Open

Defending champion Johnny Arcilla and Milan-based Marc Reyes hurdled past their respective foes to arrange a classic championship showdown in the prestigious 28th Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open at the PCA indoor shell claycourt in Paco, Manila.
Arcilla posted a come-from-behind 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 win over Australian Open junior doubles champion Francis Casey Alcantara while Reyes thumped second seed and last year’s runner-up Patrick John Tierro, 6-1, 5-7, 6-2.

The finals of the men’s singles of the tournament presented by Cebuana Lhuillier, is scheduled on Sunday at 9 a.m.

“I saw him [Tierro] play in the early rounds and I was confident that I can beat him. I targeted his backhand and I was able to control my forehand hits,” said the 20-year-old Reyes in Filipino.
Going into the finals, Reyes toppled Russell Arcilla Jr., 6-2, 6-1, in the first round; No. 4 Celestino Solon, 6-1, 7-5, in the second round; No. 15 Pop Sabandon, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5, in the third round; and No. 6 Rolando Ruel, 6-4, 6-2, in the quarterfinals.

The 28-yer-old Arcilla, who is hoping to clinch his fifth crown, blasted Nick Magaway, 6-1, 6-0 (first round), Nino Salvador, 6-0, 6-2 (second round), Kim Ivor Saraza, 6-0, 6-1 (third round), and Rocky Paglalunan, 6-1, 6-3 (quarterfinals).

The ladies’ singles semis will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday with the Patrimonio sisters—Anna Christine and Anna Clarice—each hoping to seal a finals match in the event supported by Solar Sports, The Manila Times, Manila Bulletin and Philippine Star.

Top-seeded Anna Christine takes on No. 6 Jessica Agra while the No. 8 Anna Clarice battles four-time champion Czarina Mae Arevalo.

A whopping P500,000 in cash prize is at stake with the men’s singles champion taking home P100,000 and the ladies’ titlist getting P50,000.

EMIL C. NOGUERA