Arcilla faces ace netters in PCA Open

MANILA, Philippines - Johnny Arcilla faces a slew of talented local and foreign-based Filipino players as he opens his bid for a fifth crown in the 29th Philippine Columbian Open (PCA) beginning today at the PCA indoor shell clay courts in Paco, Manila.

“It will be a tough challenge. There are so many strong players but I’m ready to defend my crown,” said Arcilla in Filipino.

Fil-Ams Andrew Cooney and Rickey Baylon, Fil-German Marc Sieber and last year’s runner-up Milan-based Marc Reyes and SEA Games veteran Patrick John Tierro make up the core of challengers out to foil Arcilla’s bid in the week-long tournament presented by Cebuana Lhuillier.

A wide-open battle for the ladies plum also looms with five-time champion Czarina Mae Arevalo begging off this year, shifting the focus to the likes of sisters Clarice and Christine Patrimonio and veterans Michelle Pang, Marinel Rudas and Trudy Amoranto.

Joining the title hunt in the P500,000 event are Fil-Ams Mariel Ante and Desirae Krawcyk.