WINNER. Second seed Johnny Arcilla makes a forehand return to No. 1 Eric Jed Olivarez during their men's singles final match at the Mayor Eric Olivarez National Open Tennis Championships on Sunday (June 16, 2024). Arcilla won, 2-6, 6-0, 7-6 (5). (Contributed photo)
MANILA – Second seed Johnny Arcilla showed his true mettle to capture the men's singles and doubles titles in the Mayor Eric Olivarez National Open Tennis Championships on Sunday.
The 10-time champion of the prestigious Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open played steadier in the third set to prevail over top seed Eric Jed Olivarez, 2-6, 6-0, 7-6 (5), in the men's singles final at the Olivarez Sports Center indoor clay courts in Sucat, Parañaque.
Arcilla, 44, improved his win-loss record over Olivarez to 4-1.
To reach the final, Arcilla hurdled Mark Dave Palanas, 6-1, 3-0 ret. (2nd round); Miguel Iglupas, 6-1, 6-1 (3rd round); No. 5 Fritz Chris Verdad, 6-2, 6-1 (QF); and No. 4 Elbert Anasta, 6-2, 6-2 (SF).
The 26-year-old Olivarez, on the other hand, downed Carlos Miguel Angeles, 6-2, 6-2 (2nd round); No. 13 Lance Jacob Fernandez, 6-1, 6-1 (3rd round); No. 7 Eric Jay Tangub, 6-1, 6-4 (QF) and No. 6 Alexis Acabo, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 (SF).
Arcilla, who hails from Butuan City, later claimed the doubles title with Francis Casey Alcantara after they turned back second seeds Olivarez and Bryan Saarenas, 5-7, 6-4, 10-5, in the Group 1 event under the PPS-PEPP program of Palawan Pawnshop president/CEO Bobby Castro.
Meanwhile, Jana Jelena Nicole Diaz was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the girls' division after winning the U16 and U18 singles titles and the U18 doubles title with Jarata Marielle Alexi.
Al Tristan Licayan bagged the MVP honors in the boys' division for securing the U16 singles title and U18 doubles title with Davila Samuel.
Also pocketing two titles were Cadee Jan Dagoon (girls' U14 singles and doubles with Dania Bulanadi), Yuan Andrei Torrente (unisex U10 singles and doubles with Joaquin Cebastian Dacyon), and Anthony Bjorn Castigador (boys' U14 singles and doubles with Julio Yñigo Naredo).
Other winners were Daniel Mac Sy (boys' U12), John Benedict Aguilar (boys' U18), and Etha Nadine Seno (girls' U12).
Champions in the Legends category were Rash Manatd/Jerome Bernales (30s men's doubles), Gee Abacan/Expedito Lim Jr. (40's men's doubles), Aldrin Geluz/Renell Crescini (50's men's doubles) and Adelo Ruado/Alex Quitara (60's men's doubles). (PNA)
