INQUIRER Sports

CEBU? RIVALS JUST HOURS BEFORE, Johnny Arcilla and Patrick John Tierro showed they could also play together.

The Philippines? top two homegrown players on Saturday joined hands to rip the Elbert Anasta-Jaime Solon pair, 7-6, 6-3, and capture the double?s crown of the Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Circuit Men?s Open on Saturday at the Baseline Tennis Center here.

Arcilla-Tierro won the top prize of P20,000 and a championship plate presented by tennis patron Jean Henri Lhuillier, assisted by his parents, Ambassador to Italy Philippe and Edna Lhuillier.

The next leg of the circuit will be held in December in Dumaguete City.

?I have played with Johnny for so many years now that?s why we know each other?s strong points,? said Tierro, who lost in the singles finals to Arcilla despite winning the first set.

?This is a great win,? said the 29-year-old Arcilla. ?I will continue playing tennis as long as I?m healthy.?