Marian Jade Capadocia launched her quest for a record eighth title as she dumped Chloe Mercado, 6-1, 6-0, yesterday in the women’s singles of the 39th Philippine Columbian Association Open Tennis Championships at its Plaza Dilao indoor shell courts in Paco.
The 27-year-old Manila native didn’t waste time in claiming her first win that set her up against the winner between the Patricia Lim-Annika Diwa duel, which was being played at press time, in the second round tomorrow.
“It was a good win even though I have not been playing for two weeks because I was in Amsterdam,” said the two-time Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist.
Alexa Joy Milliam, Makeliah Nepomuceno, Miles Vitaliano and Joana Tan joined Capadocia in the second round of this event sponsored by Smart/PLDT, official ball Dunlop, Manila councilor Jong Isip, San Jose Salt, W. L. Food Products, Palawan Pawnshop and Pagcor.
Milliam turned back Sidney Enriquez, 6-4, 6-4; Nepomuceno smashed Ruth Demafelis, 6-1, 6-0, Vitaliano blasted Eliana Misa, 6-0, 6-2; and Tan downed qualifier Princess Gom-os, 6-3, 6-2.
In the men’s section, Elbert Anasta continued his pursuit of a very first championship here as he trounced Diego Dayrit, 6-2, 6-2, to move into the second round.
There, the 40-year-old three-time semifinalist from Himamaylan, Negros Occidental would battle the victor of the Neil Tangalin-Alexa Acabo showdown at press time.
“Of course, our target is making the finals for the first time and then we’ll see what we can do when we make it there,” said Army sergeant.
Fifth seed Muthu Senthilkumar of India continued to show incredible grit as he rallied to overcome 17-year-old Agoo, La Union bet Andrei Jarata in a 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 triumph.
It was the second straight three-set game played by the 22-year-old Indian netter after a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 win over Loucas Fernandez in the opening round Saturday.
Fritz Verdad also made it through the next round after routing Gabriel Tiamzon, 6-1, 6-1, in this meet backed by 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.
Meanwhile, the women’s doubles gets going today with Capadocia teaming up with Angeline Alcala set at 1 p.m.