Patrimonio sisters barge into PCA Open semis

Christine Patrimonio during the PCA Open. Photo by Marc Reyes

Christine Patrimonio upstaged just about everyone in the room. And that’s not just because of her good looks.

The 23-year-old part-time model pulled off a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 upset over second seed Marinel Rudas in a three-hour marathon of a match Thursday to barge into the semifinals of the Philippine Columbian Association-Cebuana Lhuillier Open tennis championships.

On a hunt for a PCA title that eluded her in 2009 and 2010, the 5-foot-8 daughter of three-time PBA MVP Alvin Patrimonio displayed steely nerves after dropping the first set to turn the table on Rudas, who even led 4-2, 40-15, on her serve in the final set.

In men’s singles, eight-time champion Johnny Arcilla, No. 1 Patrick John Tierro and Elbert Anasta hurdled their assignments to advance to today’s Final Four.

The 35-year-old Arcilla beat Ronard Joven, 6-3, 6-2, while Tierro subdued Mark Anthony Alcoseba, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0, to arrange a semifinal duel with Anasta.

“I tried to relax and control my temper,” said Christine, the 2013 UAAP MVP while playing for National University. “I’m very happy. I haven’t been here for a long time.”

Her victory overshadowed that of her younger sister, top seed Clarice, who imposed her will against teenage upstart Rafaella Villanueva, 6-1, 6-3.

Later in the afternoon, 16-year-old Alberto Lim Jr., bucked a hurting hitting hand to overcome Francis Casey Alcantara, 7-6 (7-6), 3-6, 6-3.

Lim will face Arcilla in the semifinal of the meet sponsored by Whirlpool/Fujidenzo, Broadway Motor Sales Corp. Coca-Cola Fesma Philippines, Tyrecorp Incorporated, Pearl Garden Hotel, Metro Global Holdings Corp., Avida, PVL Restaurant, Mary Grace Foods, Inc., Seno Hardware and Wire Rope Corp.