Johnny Arcilla maintained his resolve, drive, and will to win as he secured another Open crown, defeating Jed Olivarez for the second consecutive time, 6-3, 6-2, to claim the Marawi Open Tennis Championship at the MSU (Mindanao State University) courts in Lanao del Sur last Thursday.
Throughout the match, the 43-year-old Arcilla remained in control, breaking Olivarez in the seventh game and sealing the first set with another break in the ninth, while successfully holding serve four times. He nearly broke his younger rival in the third game but had to toughen up to thwart Olivarez’s charge in the sixth.
However, he reasserted his dominance in the following set, breaking Olivarez in the second game and holding serve three more times on his way to another trouble-free victory, reminiscent of his 6-3, 6-1 triumph in the previous week’s Lanao del Norte Open at the MCC (Mindanao Civic Center) courts in Tubod.
The top-seeded Arcilla, a 10-time PCA Open champion, earlier defeated Dave Mosqueda, 6-2, 6-1, to set up another title showdown with the second-seeded Olivarez, who overpowered the third-ranked Nilo Ledama, 6-1, 6-0, in their respective semifinal matches. The 10-day event, sponsored by Vice Gov. Mohammad Khalid Raki-in Adiong and in partnership with the PPS-PEPP program led by Palawan Pawnshop President/CEO Bobby Castro, proved to be the backdrop for the championship clash.
Arcilla’s victory earned him an additional P80,000. He had secured five Open victories the previous year and had already won three titles halfway through this season, including the Escudero Cup in February. His dedication to diet, training, and the guidance of his coaches and Dr. Mace Navales Licuanan has helped him maintain his excellent form.
Although Arcilla fell short in the Malita Open, losing to eventual winner John Bryan Otico in the semifinals, he made a strong comeback, sweeping the Lanao swing of the circuit.
Event organizer Bobby Mangunay also expressed that Lanao del Sur has guaranteed a bigger and more lucrative event next year, with the PPS-PEPP introducing a grassroots program that includes free tennis clinics for aspiring and regular junior players.
“Lanao del Sur is safe, and the Maranaos are very hospitable people. We are eagerly anticipating another successful event next year and invite all tennis enthusiasts and fans to visit Marawi,” Mangunay said.
In the doubles competition, Arcilla partnered with Ledama to defeat Olivarez and Mosquea, 6-2, 6-3, and claim the doubles crown. The event was held as part of the 64th Araw ng Lanao del Sur celebrations.
Joining them on the top podium were junior champions Brice Baisa from Puerto Princesa, who defeated Evan Bacalso, 6-4, 6-0, to clinch the 18-and-under title, and Dave Palanas, who edged out Al Rasheed Lucman, 5-3, 4-2, in the consolation round.
Additional winners included Johair Ali and Abdul Halim Sarip (Legends doubles 30s), Alisabri Tomawis and Jainoden Tanggote (40s), Lindy Limbona and Ansary Sumandar (50s), and Ameroden Abdul Wahab and Alikhan Calandada (60s).
