The prestigious Philippine Columbian Association Open Tennis Championships will make a much-awaited return after a three-year pandemic hiatus as it stages its 39th edition starting today (Saturday) at the PCA indoor shell court in Plaza Dilao, Paco.
Veterans Johnny Arcilla and Marian Capadocia try to extend their respective reigns in the men’s and women’s singles events, where they are the heavy favorites.
The 42-year-old Arcilla owns the record with the most singles’ titles in the history of this annual event considered the richest tennis meet in the country after beating Jurence Mendoza in its last staging three years ago for the former’s ninth crown.
The many-time David Cupper and Zamboanga native is expected to go at it again and shoot for a 10th title against a strong field that includes 2018 winner and seven-time champion Jeson Patrombon, fifth seed Indian Muthu Aashitiya Senthilkumar and former World No. 167 Guillermo Olaso of Spain.
Then, 27-year-old Capadocia, a two-time Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist, who hails from San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, will shoot for her eighth singles’ victory in this meet sponsored by Smart/PLDT, official ball Dunlop, Manila councilor Jong Isip, San Jose Salt, W. L. Food Products, Palawan Pawnshop and Pagcor.
Arcilla plunges into action against qualifier John Jeremiah Tomacruz at 2 p.m., while Capadocia faces off with Chloe Mercado at 11 a.m. on Monday hoping to set in motion their respective bids.
Patrombon, for his part, aims to close the gap with Arcilla as he shoots for an eighth triumph and will tackle qualifier Lawrence Quitara at 12 p.m.
“I’m excited because it’s been three years since the last event and this is the main and biggest tennis event in the Philippines,” said Arcilla. “And I’ve heard they increased the prizes and they invited some foreigners so I’m sure it will be a tough tournament.”
The nine-day event stakes a total cash pot of 1.1 million, with the singles’ champions pocketing P200,000 and P100,000 and the doubles’ winners receiving P70,000 and P35,000, respectively.
Arcilla, meanwhile, will be teaming up with Ronard Joven in the men’s doubles, while Capadocia with Angeline Alcala in the women’s doubles.
Also backing the event are GAC Motors, GIMACA Convenience Store and Development Corp., Ourzen Chicken, HEAD, Ms. Rina Caniza, Mr. Benito Tan, Primo Dept Fuel Station, Kaizan Steel Trading, Cazneau, Inc. and Knaut Art Glass.