Christine Patrimonio during the PCA Open. Photo by Marc Reyes
Christine Patrimonio upstaged just about everyone in the room. And that’s not just because of her good looks.
The 23-year-old part-time model pulled off a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 upset over second seed Marinel Rudas in a three-hour marathon of a match Thursday to barge into the semifinals of the Philippine Columbian Association-Cebuana Lhuillier Open tennis championships.
On a hunt for a PCA title that eluded her in 2009 and 2010, the 5-foot-8 daughter of three-time PBA MVP Alvin Patrimonio displayed steely nerves after dropping the first set to turn the table on Rudas, who even led 4-2, 40-15, on her serve in the final set.
In men’s singles, eight-time champion Johnny Arcilla, No. 1 Patrick John Tierro and Elbert Anasta hurdled their assignments to advance to today’s Final Four.
The 35-year-old Arcilla beat Ronard Joven, 6-3, 6-2, while Tierro subdued Mark Anthony Alcoseba, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0, to arrange a semifinal duel with Anasta.
“I tried to relax and control my temper,” said Christine, the 2013 UAAP MVP while playing for National University. “I’m very happy. I haven’t been here for a long time.”
Her victory overshadowed that of her younger sister, top seed Clarice, who imposed her will against teenage upstart Rafaella Villanueva, 6-1, 6-3.
Later in the afternoon, 16-year-old Alberto Lim Jr., bucked a hurting hitting hand to overcome Francis Casey Alcantara, 7-6 (7-6), 3-6, 6-3.
Lim will face Arcilla in the semifinal of the meet sponsored by Whirlpool/Fujidenzo, Broadway Motor Sales Corp. Coca-Cola Fesma Philippines, Tyrecorp Incorporated, Pearl Garden Hotel, Metro Global Holdings Corp., Avida, PVL Restaurant, Mary Grace Foods, Inc., Seno Hardware and Wire Rope Corp.