Defending champion Johnny Arcilla and Patrick John Tierro are on a collision course after they both advanced to the semifinal round of the men’s open of the Palawan Pawnshop – Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) Dagitab Festival regional tennis tournament at the Naga City Tennis Club in southern Cebu.
In yesterday’s action, the 36-year-old Arcilla showed he can still go toe-to-toe with younger opponents as he defeated 17-year-old Bryan Otico, 6-3, 1-6, 6-1.
The victory sent Arcilla to a crucial duel with Ronard Joven in today’s semifinal round.
Tierro for his part, struggled in the early stages of the match before regaining his rhythm to move to the next round with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Marcen Gonzales.
The 31-year-old Tierro is expected to have his hands full in his semifinal match against the third-ranked Vicente Anasta.
Anasta earned his own semifinal seat after pulling off a 7-6 (3), 6-4 victory over Dave Mosqueda in the quarterfinal round.
Dizon conquers Cebuana opponents
Meanwhile, Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) competitor Melanie Faye Dizon dominated her opponents from Cebu to seize the 16-under and 18-under girls crowns.
The 16-year-old Dizon overcame a second set fightback from Carcar, Cebu’s Elizabeth Abarquez to escape with a 6-2, 4-6, 15-13 triumph in the 16-under division.
She then dominated Batang Pinoy gold medalist and Naga’s Zethley Alferez, 6-1, 6-3 to bag the 18-under title.