JOHNNY Arcilla secured another Open crown, adding to his impressive collection with a victory in the Gov. Imelda Dimaporo National Open at the Mindanao Civic Center court in Lanao del Norte recently.
Unlike his hard-fought three-set victory over Eric Jed Olivarez in last month’s Olivarez Cup, however, this win came more easily as his opponent, Alexis Acabo, retired due to fatigue after the opening set, which Arcilla won, 6-1.
Acabo’s decision to withdraw spoiled what could have been an exhilarating conclusion to an excitement-filled tournament in Lanao del Norte. The fifth-ranked Acabo had previously upset Olivarez, 6-4, 6-3, in the semifinals, setting the stage for a thrilling championship match. However, his exit left a large crowd of spectators and sponsors deeply disappointed.
Following the match, Acabo apologized, citing exhaustion from his grueling clash with Olivarez as the reason for his retirement.
Arcilla, who also edged out Olivarez in the previous year’s tournament, had thwarted his doubles partner Nilo Ledama in a fierce semifinal match, 6-4, 6-4. The many-time PCA Open champion showcased his vast repertoire of shots to convincingly win the opening set of the final showdown in the tournament presented by Dunlop.
In the men’s doubles, Fritz Verdad and Rolly Saga stunned the Arcilla-Ledama pair in the semis and then defeated Jose Maria Pague and Eric Tangub, 7-5, 6-3, to clinch the crown in the event hosted by Mayor Dimaporo and organized by Provincial Sports Coordinator Nelson Lasola.
Nicole Ann Bautista and Nichole dela Rita captured the women’s doubles trophy by repelling Minette Bentillo and Judy Ann Padilla, 6-3, 6-3, in the event supported by Philta, Universal Tennis and ICON Golf & Sports.
In the Legends division, Wilbur Orillano and Alexander Diego topped the men’s doubles 30s, while Dencio Canilas and Roy Denopol emerged victorious in the 40s division. Other winners in the event, which served as part of the Palawan Pawnshop tennis program, included Alvin Lomongo and Remas Generelao (50s), Roy Baulete and Camilo Lasquite (60s), and the pair of Bentillo and Benedict Lim in mixed doubles.