33rd PCA Open under way this Saturday

Long-time rivals Johnny Arcilla and Patrick John Tierro and women’s No. 1 Marian Jade Capadocia will lead the players in the main draw of the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open tennis championship presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings which starts on Saturday at the PCA shell-clay courts.

PCA Open chair Raul Diaz said a total prize of P600,000 will be at stake in the 33rd edition of the event with the men’s singles champion pocketing P100,000, and the women’s singles winner bagging P50,000.

Diaz also said the PCA is working to become an ITF-sanctioned event as a Futures tourney which is the entry level meet in the pro circuit.

“That’s something we have been dreaming about, to be a truly international event,” said Diaz, who also unveiled the PCA memorabilia during a press conference at PCA Clubhouse yesterday.

Also present was PSC commissioner and former Philippine Tennis Association and PCA president Salvador “Buddy” Andrada.

“I think it’s the right time to plan these things because the sponsors are here already,” said Andrada, referring to one of the titular sponsors, Cebuana Lhuillier.

Philta chair Jean Henri Lhuillier and Cebuana Lhuillier CEO affirmed his commitment to the tournament which he has been supporting for the past seven years.

“Youth development through sports is both a personal advocacy and part of the corporate social responsibility of Cebuana Lhuillier, and the PCA Open complements that,” said Lhuillier, who was represented by Danny Francisco.