DEFENDING champion Johnny Arcilla and top seed Patrick John Tierro arranged a “grudge match” for the men’s singles title after downing their semifinal foes yesterday in the Philippine Columbian Association Open presented by Cebuana Lhuillier and Metro Global Holdings at PCA indoor courts in Paco, Manila.
Though friends and national teammates for years, Arcilla and Tierro will now decide who’s the country’s best in a showdown that is expected to draw a huge crowd.
Eight-time champion Arcilla methodically cut down Rolando Ruel Jr., 6-2, 6-0, while Tierro employed power and precision in halting Marc Reyes, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.
Arcilla didn’t yield his serve as he outclassed a tired Ruel.
“I knew that he was tired, I just tried to return the ball to him and take advantage,” said the 34-year-old Arcilla, who will go for his third straight title.
The 29-year-old Tierro has yet to capture the crown here and has lost twice to Arcilla in title duels.
Tierro, whose powerful serves and forehands are more suited on hard surface, ranks No. 1 nationally, but Arcilla will count on his familiarity with the PCA’s shell-clay courts where he has been practically unbeatable.