Johnny Arcilla exudes confidence as he sets out for his title-retention drive against a crack field toughened up by the presence of a slew of young guns ready to prove their worth in the PPS-PEPP Gov. Alfonso Umali Cup Tennis Championship firing off today at the Bahaghari Tennis Club in Oriental Mindoro.
Arcilla bested fellow Davis Cupper and doubles partner Jeson Patrombon, 6-3, 6-4, to reign here last year but the veteran campaigner braces for a tough campaign this time given the depth of the 32-player men’s field clashing for the top P40,000 purse in the week-long event held in conjunction with the Pinamalayan Festival celebrations.
Patrombon gains the top seeding with Arcilla at No. 2 but the likes of Leander Lazaro, Mark Alcoseba, Noel Damian, Deo Talatayod, Fritz Verdad and Rodolfo Barquin, Kim Saraza and John Mari Altiche are going all out to spring a surprise or two against the field’s top guns in what promises to be a thrilling battle of power and endurance.