DEFENDING champion Johnny Arcilla dumped Argil Lance Canizares, 6-2, 6-1, yesterday to spearhead the march of the favorites to the last 16 of the Philippine Columbian Association Open at PCA covered clay courts in Paco, Manila.
Seeking a record eight PCA titles, the top seed Arcilla hardly showed any sign of the shoulder injury he sustained in the Davis Cup that bothered him early this year.
Second seed Patrick John Tierro also cruised to the next round with a 6-1, 6-1 whipping of qualifier Andrei Banata to set up a Round of 16 clash with Jeson Patrombon, a 6-1, 6-0 winner over Bryan de Casa.
Third seed Elbert Anasta toppled Antonio Quiza, 6-2, 6-4, while No. 4 Mark Reyes cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Rollyto Litang and 11th seed Saraza eliminated Joshua Miranda, 6-3, 6-0.
Teenage sensation AJ Lim, the No. 9 seed, also earned a place in the next round by outclassing Al Michael Madrio, 6-1, 6-0. But the 14-year-old will give up his spot in the quarterfinals to Ronard Joven—a 7-5, 6-2 conqueror of Jigo Pena—as he is set to leave for the United States today to compete in the 52nd Metropolia Junior Orange Bowl International Championship in Miami, Florida.
The women’s tournament begins today with top seed Marian Jade Capadocia opening her title-retention bid over qualifier Kimberly Uytioco in the country’s longest-running tennis tournament presented by Cebuana Lhuillier.
Second ranked Anna Clarice Patrimonio takes on Capadocia’s younger sister Jella Jade in the bottom half of the draw. Cedelf P. Tupas