MANILA, Philippines—Longtime partners Johnny Arcilla and Patrick John Tierro imposed their advantage in experience and skill to crush Carlos Oblea and Justine Vinas, 6-2, 6-0, Sunday in a ruthless start to their men’s doubles campaign in the Philippine Columbian Association Open tennis championships at the PCA shell-clay courts in Paco, Manila.
Arcilla and Tierro made little mistake in advancing against Romero Dimakiling and Marco Suntay, who swept past Permik Alina and Ed Louie Amor, 6-4, 6-4.
“We have played together for many years, so we know each other’s moves,” said Arcilla of his partnership with Tierro in Filipino. “We need to sustain our level of game because our opponents will get tougher and tougher each game.”
Third seeds Mark Anthony Alcoseba and Ralph Kevin Barte also marched on with a 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) win over Kim Polero and Elson Solon.
Second picks Elbert Anasta and Ronard Joven walked over Gabby Remigio and Dennis Sta. Cruz.
Brothers Alexander and Leander Lazaro fashioned out a 6-0, 6-0 rout of Rex Brinas and Franklin Encarnacion, while Arcie Mano and David Vorbeck prevailed over No. 10 Antonio Sagansay III and Mikee Teng, 6-2, 6-1.
Also making it to the second round were national coaches Roland Kraut and Karl Santamaria who rolled over Chat Conta and Stephen Lozada, 6-1, 6-1; Bernanlou Bering and Francis Patino who edged Jerome Patrombon and John Rey Rudas, 6-3, 6-1; Marvelous Cortez and Jimmy Tangalin Jr. who trounced Mark Ervin Concepcion and Joel Maguies, 6-0, 6-1; Juvan Divinagracia and John Rey Moreno who defeated Miguel Belda and Leandro Fernandez, 6-3, 6-4; and Juan Fidel Regis and Akio Sy who nipped Edwin Olivarez and Vjorn Nipaya, 6-3, 6-2.
Men’s singles action resumes Monday, while the ladies’ singles competition starts Tuesday.