Otico, Patrombon dispute PCA men's singles crown

MANILA, Philippines – Jhon Brayn Otico outlasted Vicente Elbert Anasta, 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, to move a step closer to a back-to-back title in the men’s singles of the 37th Philippine Columbian Association Open at its Plaza Dilao courts in Paco, Manila Friday.

Meanwhile, Jeson Patrombon downed second seed Francis Casey Alcantara, 6-3, 7-6 (4), to get a shot at his very first championship in the tournament’s same division.

The top-seeded Otico and Patrombon, the sixth seed, collide at 1 p.m. Saturday with the winner pocketing the top purse worth P150,000 and the loser taking home P75,000.

Reigning women’s titlist Marian Jade Capadocia waylaid Kim Iglupas, 6-2, 6-3, to barge into the finals where the former will have a chance to claim her second straight title and sixth overall.

There, the 23-year-old Capadocia will tackle giant-slayer Shaira Hope Rivera, who pulled off a shock 7-6 (3), 6-1 win over second seed and two-time titlist Clarice Patrimonio in the other women’s singles semifinals duel.

Capadocia and Rivera will contest the crown and the P75,000 purse that goes with it at 10 a.m. Sunday.