JOHNNY Arcilla will gun for his ninth men’s singles title when the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open starts its 33rd edition presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings today at PCA courts in Paco, Manila.
The main draw, however, will begin on Nov. 15, to give way to the age-group competitions. Intercollegiate play starts on Nov. 7.
The Pro-Am, Interclub and Executive team events fire off on Nov. 15. This year’s total cash prize is P600,000.
Among those trying to stop Arcilla’s reign are fellow Davis Cuppers Patrick John Tierro, Jeson Patrombon and Elbert Anasta.
Top female player Marian Jade Capadocia will also defend the women’s singles crown she has held for the last three years.
“The stakes are higher this year,” said PCA Open chair Raul Diaz. “Even the more experienced players notice how gritty the newcomers are.”
Among the players to watch are Miguel Luis Vicencio, Daniel Estanislao III, Janus Ringia, Marcus del Rosario and Raphael Teng in the boys’ division and Hannah Espinosa, Jzash Canja, Monica Cruz, Erika Manduriao, Blanche Cruz and Rafaella Jean Villanueva in the girls’ side.