Clarice Patrimonio wins 1st PCA Open title

Clarice Patrimonio ready for a serve. Photo by June Navarro/INQUIRER

Top seed Clarice Patrimonio imposed her vast experience over teenage challenger Maia Balce to prevail, 6-4, 6-3, Sunday and claim her first women’s singles title in the Philippine Columbian Association-Cebuana Lhuillier Open tennis championships.

The 21-year-old Patrimonio, an HRM major at National University and reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player, broke in the 7th game of the first set to post a 4-3 victory in the opening set.

It was Patrimonio’s first PCA title after finishing runner up in 2011 and 2013.

“I’m very happy that finally a Patrimonio placed in the PCA Hall of Fame (where names of champions are posted,” said Patrimonio.

Patrick John Tierro and Alberto Lim Jr., are still locked in battle for the men’s title at press time.