INQUIRER Sports

JOHNNY ARCILLA stepped closer to an unprecedented fifth men?s singles title with an emphatic 6-1, 6-3 victory over Rocky Paglalunan Thursday in the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open tennis championships.

But fellow Davis Cuppers PJ Tierro and Francis Casey Alcantara also joined Arcilla in the semifinals along with Fil-Italian Marc Reyes.
Arcilla, 29, winner of the last three singles titles here, advanced against Alcantara, who booted out Elbert Anasta, 6-3, 6-3.

Tierro, the second seed, barged into the semis with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Ralph Kevin Barte while Reyes drubbed Rolando Ruel Jr., 6-4, 6-2.

Reyes, who has already caught the attention of the national coaching staff because of his impressive showing here, gets to prove his worth against Tierro today in the other semis match.

The Patrimonio sisters, Anna Christine and Anna Clarice, raised the prospects of a family title showdown in the women?s singles ousting their respective rivals.

The top seed and elder Patrimonio at 17, Anna Christine thumped Regina Santiago, 6-3, 6-1, to seal a semifinal duel against Jessica Agra, who eliminated fourth seed Michelle Pang, 6-3, 6-7 (8), 6-3.

Her 15-year-old sibling Anna Clarice also pulled a big upset by overpowering defending champion Bambi Zoleta, 6-1, 6-2, in the event sponsored by Cebuana Lhuillier, Pera Padala and Phiten.

Anna Clarice will next take on four-time champion Czarina Mae Arevalo, who went through the wringer before escaping with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 triumph over third seed Aileen Rogan.

Using her big serve and height advantage, Anna Clarice took advantage of the lethargic game of Zoleta, who complained of playing too much tennis this week.