Top stars Patrimonio, Capadocia forge PCA Final duel

Clarice Patrimonio and Marian Jade Capadocia, the country’s top women’s tennis players, are headed for a collision course after besting their semifinals opponents in the Philippine Columbian Association Open championship Friday.

Two-time defending champion Patrimonio bounced back from a horrific second set meltdown to repel fourth seed Shaira Rivera, 6-3, 0-6, 7-6 (5) at PCA shell-courts.

Heavy on forehands but very light on words, Patrimonio said she got too eager to win the match after taking the opening set, getting a major shock after Rivera launched a big fight-back to force a deciding set that went into tiebreak.

The daughter of PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio and sister of fellow tennis star Christine will gun for her third straight title against Capadocia on Sunday.

That won’t be easy, though.

Capadocia, already a four-time champion here, is out to reclaim her throne after trouncing Akiko De Guzman, 6-1, 6-0.

“I’m very excited to play in the finals after two years of absence,” said Capadocia, who had stints in Europe after she had a falling out with the Philippine Tennis Association. “I will do my best because Clarice is a tough player.”

In the men’s division, defending champion Patrick John Tierro forged a title showdown against top junior netter John Bryan Otico. They also clash on Sunday after the women’s finals.

Tierro defeated top seed Jeson Patrombon, 3-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5, while Otico downed Leader Lazaro, 6-1, 7-5.