Arcilla eyeing record ninth PCA crown

PATRICK John Tierro gained the No. 1 seed but all eyes will be on how Johnny Arcilla will gun for a record ninth men’s singles title when the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open tennis presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings kicks off today at PCA shell-clay courts in Paco, Manila.

By virtue of his No. 1 ranking, Tierro is the top seed in the tournament and will take on reigning 18-Under champion Joshua Cano in the opening round. The comebacking Tierro has yet to win the singles title here.

Yet the crowd will be glued on 34-year-old Arcilla who has dominated the tourney for a long time. He will gun for a fourth straight title and will start his campaign against unranked Miguel dela Paz.

Arcilla and Tierro, long-time rivals and members of the Philippine team, are expected to clash for the championship in the 33-year-old tournament.

Other seeded players expected to pose a threat include Fil-Italian Marc Reyes and another PH Cupper, Elbert Anasta.

Women’s singles start on Tuesday with three-time champion Marian Jade Capadocia shooting for a fourth straight title.  Men’s doubles will begin tomorrow

Meanwhile, National U and University of Santo Tomas share the lead in the inter-collegiate division women’s Group A.