Fiery Alcantara upsets Arcilla

FRANCIS Casey Alcantara and Patrick John Tierro arranged a men’s final showdown while Khim Iglupas and Marian Jade Capadocia set up a women’s title encounter yesterday in the sixth Olivarez Cup Tennis Championships at Olivarez Sports Center in Parañaque City.

The youthful Alcantara disposed of three-time champion Johnny Arcilla, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, in the semifinals to set up an intriguing title clash with the veteran Tierro, who bundled out Jurence Mendoza, 6-7 (7-5), 6-1, 6-2.

As interesting as the men’s final is the women’s championship clash after the top-seeded Iglupas drubbed Maia Balce, 6-1, 6-4, and Capadocia stunned Clarice Patrimonio, 6-4, 6-2.

Iglupas is the hot-streaking 16-year-old from De La Salle-Zobel who shot to fame after winning this same tournament plus the prestigious Phinma-ITF last year. The 19-year-old Capadocia, meanwhile, has dominated the local women’s scene for the past few years.

The women’s final starts at 1 p.m. today, with the men’s championship match slated tomorrow, also at 1 p.m. The event is presented by Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala through COO Bobby Castro and sanctioned by Philta.

“They all played aggressively and won impressively. The finals will be worth watching,” said Philippine Tennis Association president and Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez.

Pepperdine University top gun Alcantara worked behind big serves to negate Arcilla’s vaunted baseline game. The 2009 Australian Open boys’ doubles co-champion is marking his return to full-time tennis with this tournament.

Tierro summoned his vast experience to turn back Mendoza despite hurting his ankle early.