Olivarez, Arcilla forge title clash

Eric Jed Olivarez and Johnny Arcilla leaned on their experience and determination to overpower their respective doubles partners and semifinal rivals, forging another head-to-head showdown — this time for the coveted Governor’s Cup National Open Tennis Championship title at the Iloilo Sports Complex courts.

The nation’s top two players, who have contested multiple Open titles over the past few years, marched into the finals with dominant semifinal performances. Olivarez, who recently defeated Arcilla in their title match in Parañaque, routed Vicente Anasta 6-0, 6-1.

Meanwhile, Arcilla, a veteran Davis Cupper and 10-time PCA Open champion, overcame Ronard Joven 6-2, 6-4 in a clinical display.

En route to the finals of the event, which offers a champion’s purse of P100,000, both players showcased their power and resolve. Olivarez cruised past John Benedict Santiago (6-3, 6-0), Austin delos Santos (6-2, 6-1), and Eric Jay Tangub (6-2, 7-5) before dismantling Anasta in the semis, dropping just one game in an emphatic victory in the week-long event.

Arcilla, defying Father Time at 44 years old, impressed with his enduring skill and consistency. He dispatched Claran Alipo-on (6-1, 6-1), Luke Flores (6-1, 6-1), and John Kendrick Bona (6-2, 6-2) before outlasting Joven in the semis.

After an initial exchange of serves, Arcilla broke Joven in the third and seventh games to claim the first set. He then broke serve in the opening game of the second set and battled Joven in a series of hold-hold games to secure his spot in the final.

Olivarez and Arcilla are set to clash for the singles championship on Friday.