Manila – In the 40th Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open, second seed Alexa Joy Milliam overcame Jufe Ann Coco to secure a spot in the women’s singles semifinals. The match, played at the indoor shell court in Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila, saw Milliam rally from a first-set loss to win 6-7 (2-7), 6-1, 6-0. The 17-year-old from La Carlota, Negros Occidental, showcased powerful shots to clinch the victory. Milliam, a Grade 12 student, is now set to face unseeded Theniel Madis from M’lang, North Cotabato, who defeated Elizabeth Abarquez in the third round.
According to Philippines News Agency, in another match, No. 1 Marian Capadocia breezed past Miles Vitaliano, setting up a semifinal clash with unseeded Cebuano Tiffany Nocos. Capadocia, a seven-time finalist, is seeking redemption after losing to teenager Jenaila Rose Prulla in last year’s final.
The men’s division witnessed Alberto Lim Jr., the second seed, defeating No. 9 Jed Olivarez to move into the semifinals against Noel Damian. Damian secured his spot by outplaying John Benedict Aguilar. The other men’s semifinal will feature wild card Xavier Calvelo against Andre Ilagan. Calvelo claimed victory over Jude Michael Padao, while Ilagan overcame Nilo Ledama in a challenging match.
The PCA Open, featuring a PHP300,000 prize for the men’s singles champion and PHP100,000 for the women’s singles champion, is supported by various sponsors and endorsed by notable figures, including Mayor Ben-Sayeed Muksan (Siasi, Sulu) and Manila District 3 Councilor Ernesto “Jong” Isip Jr.