Tierro, Arcilla through to third round

Top seed Patrick John Tierro and defending champion Johnny Arcilla bested their second-round foes to advance in the men’s singles along with the rest of the rated players yesterday in the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open tennis championships presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings.

Tierro settled for a 6-4, 6-3 victory over youngster Marcen Angelo Gonzales who gave the 29-year-old a tough fight.

Arcilla continued to show awesome form, crushing Alberto Villamor, 6-0, 6-0.

Tierro will next go up against Bernardine Sison, who booted out Angelo Esguerra, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2. Arcilla, bidding for a ninth singles title, advanced against youngster Jed Olivarez, who upset age-group ace Dheo Talotayod, 6-2, 6-2.

The 34-year-old Arcilla said he was reserving his stamina for the tougher matches ahead.

“That’s why when I have the chance to take the win I take it right away,” said Arcilla in Filipino. “I have tougher opponents ahead.”

One of them is two-time runner-up and No. 3 seed Marc Reyes, who scored a 6-3, 6-0 triumph over Bernan Lou Bering. Another possible stumbling block for Arcilla, 17-year-old and No. 6 seed Alberto Lim Jr., also gained the next round with a 6-0 6-1 rout of Fritz Verdad.

Others who advanced were fifth seed Rolando Ruel Jr., who downed Jigo Peña, 6-4, 6-2;  Marc Alcoseba who edged Rommel Openiano, 6-2, 6-4; Arvin Ruel, who ousted Kristian Tesorio, 3-6, 6-4, 6-1; and Ronard Joven who routed Roderick Agna, 6-3, 6-1.

Action in the women’s singles gets going today with three-time defending champion Marian Jade Capadocia battling Angela Cabaral. Second seed Clarice Patrimonio battles Anna Vienna Bienes, while sister and celebrity player Christine faces age-grouper Chloe Mae Saraza.