Arcilla faces Tierro in PCA tennis finals duel

FOR THE third time in as many weeks, Johnny Arcilla and Patrick John Tierro found themselves at the opposite ends of the court fighting for the title.

The two once again arranged a titular showdown after besting their respective semifinal foes Saturday in the Philippine Columbian Association Open Cebuana Lhuillier-ATF Tour at PCA indoor shell-clay courts in Paco, Manila.

Arcilla, owner of an unmatched eight PCA Open men’s singles titles, schooled junior netter Jose Maria Pague, 6-1, 6-1, in a semifinal match that lasted less than an hour.

Conserving his energy and playing to his advantage, the 36-year-old Arcilla flustered the 15-year-old Pague with his trademark drop shots and slices that fell just behind the net.

“I just tried to play his game and see how he responds,” said Arcilla of Pague. “He has a strong potential but he needs to develop his game.”

On the other hand, Tierro, the reigning PCA Open champion, survived a grueling baseline duel before outlasting Filipino-Italian Marc Reyes, 7-6 (8), 6-3, in the other semis.

The title match is at 2 p.m., which will serve as the “deciding game” between Arcilla and Tierro, who played against each other in the Olivarez Cup and the PCA Open the past two weeks. Arcilla won the previous, while Tierro nailed the latter.

“We have been playing against each other for a long time, we know each other’s game styles,” said Tierro, 31.

The winner will pocket $1,200, while the runner-up will get $900.