SECOND seed Aljon Talatayod started his campaign on a strong note, posting an impressive 6-1, 6-1 victory over Jonel dela Pena yesterday in the 33rd Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings at PCA indoor shell clay courts in Paco, Manila.
Talatayod advanced to the next round of the boys’ 12-under division against Elvin Joseph Geluz, who made short work of John Alexander Bayot, 6-0, 6-0.
Unseeded Stefano Gurria provided the opening-day surprise with a 6-2, 7-5 upset over No. 8 seed Jibril Ross Perpetua. Gurria will next face Lawrence Quitara, who breezed to a 6-0, 6-0 win over Patrick Robin Pellos.
Also advancing were Alfred Doloroso, Sherwin Villacorte, Jose Rafael Cruz, Enrique Jugo and Czech Daruin Bacungan in the tournament supported by Cebuana Pera Padala, Micro Insurance, Phiten, Just Jewels, Cebuana Micro Insurance, Hon. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, Dunlop, Fujidenzo/Whirlpool, Babolat, Head, Accel, Malate Bayview Mansion, Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc., Philippine Prudential Life Insurance Company Inc., Seno Hardware and Standard Insurance.
Doloroso downed Quazvin Ziggy Aben, 6-1, 6-2, Villacorte trounced Philippie Coteron, 6-2, 6-3, and Cruz swept past Royce Lawrence Ramirez, 6-2, 6-2. Jugo and Bacungan won by walkover against Marcus Macalalag and Mico Castillo, respectively.
In the 10-under unisex event, John Michael Belo routed Fahad Malic, 4-0, 4-0.