Arcilla, Alcantara rip PCA Open foes

Johnny Arcilla and Francis Casey Alcantara cruised to the fourth round of the 34th Philippine Columbian Association Open-Cebuana Lhuillier Wildcard Event without encountering stiff resistance.

The eight-time champion Arcilla easily subdued Abson John Alejandre of North Cotabato, 6-1, 6-0, in almost the same manner that Alcantara, a former Australian Open doubles junior champion, made Joel Atienza pay, 6-4, 6-2, for his errors.

“I have to be ready each time because the games are becoming more and more intense,” said the 35-year-old Arcilla.

He’ll take on Arthur Craig Pantino in the next phase after the latter repulsed Kyle Parpan, 5-7, 6-2, 6-0, in the meet supported by Puma, Dunlop, Head, Babolat, Compass/Imosti and Sarangani representative Manny Pacquiao.

Defending champion Patrick John Tierro advanced into the succeeding round after downing Neil Tangali, 6-1, 6-1, while fifth seed Rolando Ruel Jr. and Ronard Joven also progressed with victories over Leandro Lazaro, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, and Raymond Diaz, 6-1, 6-2, respectively.

Other results saw Noel Damian Jr. defeat No. 15 Arcie Mano, 6-7 (8), 6-1, 6-2, and Stefan Suarez win via walkover against ninth seed Marc Reyes, who withdrew due to a nagging injury.

The finalists in the men’s singles will be included in the main draw of the 2015 Manila International Tennis Federation Men’s Futures Leg 2 on Oct. 2, while those who made it into the semifinals and quarterfinals will gain access in the qualifying round.

Only the winners in the doubles division will be given spots in the ITF 16-pair main draw as action begins in men’s doubles today and ladies singles play kicks off Tuesday.