Patrombon, Capadocia banner Brookside field

Jeson Patrombon and Marian Capadocia exude confidence but wary of their respective title-retention drives in the PPS-PEPP Brookside Hills Open Tennis Championships unfolding Wednesday at Brookside Hills Tennis Club in Cainta, Rizal.

Patrombon overpowered Vicente Anasta, 6-0, 6-3, to claim the men’s singles crown last year, but the 26-year-old Davis Cupper expects a tougher outing this time against the country’s best and the brightest, led by Johnny Arcilla, Fritz Verdad, Mark Alcoseba, Noel Damian Jr., Deo Talatayod, Rolando Ruel Jr. and Anasta.

One thing going for the Iligan City ace is the momentum gained and confidence built from his straight-set romp over fellow national player and doubles partner Arcilla in the Gov. Umali Cup in Oriental Mindoro last month.

Like Patrombon, Capadocia hopes to re-stamp her class in their side of the tournament with the Antique City bet going up against the likes of Khim Iglupas, Patricia Velez, Patricia Lim, Christine Patrimonio, Justine Maneja, Denise Bernardo and Clarice Patrimonio, who she repulsed, 6-4, 6-4, to clinch the crown last year.

Meanwhile, 32 players on Monday kicked off their drives for four remaining spots in the men’s Open singles draw.