Patrombon faces tough title defense

Shortly after a seemingly no-sweat win over youngster Nio Tria, 6-1, 6-1, on Thursday, defending champion Jeson Patrombon stopped and pondered on his finals prospects.

Now a father of a 1-year-old girl, the 26-year-old Patrombon, former world juniors No. 9, said it’s going to be a tough road to win back the PCA Open men’s singles championship.

“He (Johnny Arcilla) is one of them (major stumbling blocks to his campaign), but those in the lower bracket are also tough,” Patrombon said.

Eight-time champion Arcilla disposed of Fritz Verdad, 6-1, 6-2, in his latest bid to add one more title after winning it for the last time six years ago. —MARC ANTHONY REYES