SEA Games-bound Johnny Arcilla shines

MANILA, Philippines—Johnny Arcilla primed himself for the Southeast Asian Games as the Davis Cup veteran captured a double crown in the 1st Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn Tennis Championships recently in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

Arcilla capped his dominant run by overwhelming Elbert Anasta, 6-1, 6-0, to bag the men’s singles title at the Socrates Memorial tennis center.

“We’ve been together for a long time in many tournaments and we were even teammates before in the Davis Cup, so I’m familiar with his game,” Arcilla said after disposing of Anasta in less than an hour.

Arcilla, teaming up with long-time partner John Tierro, also clinched the doubles championship after outclassing the tandem of Anasta and Ronard Joven, 7-6 (5), 6-2, in the finals.

“This is a good exposure for me before going to the SEA Games,” said Arcilla, who will see action anew for the biennial meet slated next month in Indonesia.

“It’s like a warm up because we know we’ll have tough competition there, especially Thailand.”

The 31-year-old Arcilla, who pocketed the P50,000 grand prize, reached the singles finals after downing Ronaldo Ruel Jr., 6-0, 7-6 (4); Israel Abarquez, 6-1, 6-1; and Kim Ivor Saraza, 6-4, 6-0.

Anasta, who earned P25,000, advanced by toppling Tierro, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2; Joven, 6-3, 7-6 (5); and Randy Delavin, 6-2, 6-3.

“It’s been a great week,” Hagedorn said of the tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association and backed by Palawan Pawnshop Express Padala and Prince.

“It showcased the huge talent we have in tennis.”

But Hagedorn added that the tournament’s future staging aims to lure more fresh talents.

“This tournament will serve as the training ground of the aspiring ones as we’re planning to stage it annually,” said Hagedorn.