Marian Jade Capadocia launched her quest for a record eighth title as she dumped Chloe Mercado, 6-1, 6-0, in women's singles event of the 39th Philippine Columbian Association Open Tennis Championships yesterday at its Plaza Dilao indoor shell courts in Paco.

The 27-year-old Manila native didn't waste time in claiming the first win that set her up against the winner in the Patricia
Lim-Annika Diwa duel in the second round tomorrow.

"It was a good win even though I have not been playing for two weeks because I was in Amsterdam," the two-time Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist said.

Alexa Joy Milliam, Makeliah Nepomuceno, Miles Vitaliano, and Joana Tan joined Capadocia in the second round.

Milliam turned back Sidney Enriquez, 6-4, 6-4; Nepomuceno smashed Ruth Demafelis, 6-1, 6-0, Vitaliano blasted Eliana Misa, 6-0, 6-2; and Tan downed qualifier Princess Gom-os, 6-3, 6-2.

In the men's section, Elbert Anasta continued his pursuit of a very first championship here as he trounced Diego Dayrit, 6-2, 6-2, to move into the second round.

Of course, our target is making the final for the first time and then we'll see what we can do when we make it there.

The 40-year-old three-time semifinalist from Himamaylan, Negros Occidental would battle the victor of the Neil Tangalin-Alexa Acabo showdown at press time.

"Of course, our target is making the final for the first time and then we'll see what we can do when we make it there," the Army sergeant said.

Fifth seed Muthu Senthilkumar of India continued to show incredible grit as he rallied to overcome 17-year-old Agoo, La Union bet Andrei Jarata in a 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 triumph.

It was the second straight three-set game played by the 22-year-old Indian netter after a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 win over Loucas Fernandez in the opening round Saturday.

Fritz Verdad also made it through the next round after routing Gabriel Tiamzon, 6-1, 6-1.

Meanwhile, the women's doubles get going today with Capadocia teaming up with Angeline Alcala set at 1 p.m.