Top PCA Open seeds breeze through q’final

Top seed Marian Jade Capadocia breezed through the quarterfinals yesterday along with sisters Clarice and Christine Patrimonio in the women’s singles of the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings.

Capadocia withstood the challenge of rising star Rafaella Villanueva, 6-2, 6-2, to advance against Christine, who slipped past wild card Catherine Isip, 1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2), at PCA’s indoor shell-clay courts.

Christine found Isip a tough nut to crack, losing the first set.

“I had a difficult time because she has a strong forehand and she’s very smart,” said the 22-year-old Christine, the UAAP tennis MVP who steered NU to the crown this year.

Clarice, the former PH No. 1, crushed Jella Capadocia, Marian Jade’s sister, 6-2, 6-2, to progress against fifth ranked Hannah Espinosa who downed Maria Angela Sunga, 4-6, 6-1, 2-0 (retired).

Also making the final eight were No. 3 Edilyn Balanga, who drubbed Princess Castillo, 6-3, 6-1; No. 4 pick Maika Tanpoco, who clobbered another sister of Marian Jade, Jade Charito, 6-1, 6-1; and Marinel Rudas who ripped Shaira Rivera, 6-1, 6-1.