Johnny Arcilla Wins Second Consecutive Gov. Dimaporo Open Tennis Title

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE — Johnny Arcilla successfully defended his title at the Gov. Imelda Dimaporo National Open on Thursday, after his opponent Alexis Acabo unexpectedly withdrew from the men’s singles finals at the Mindanao Civic Center.

According to Philippines News Agency, Acabo, the fifth seed who had previously defeated Eric Jed Olivarez in the semifinals, ceased playing after losing the first set 6-1 to Arcilla. Despite no requests for an injury timeout or communication with the umpire, Acabo expressed a clear unwillingness to continue the match. “He didn’t want to play anymore,” Mangunay relayed, noting Arcilla’s encouragement for Acabo to finish the game for the sake of the audience and sponsors.

Arcilla, a veteran with ten PCA Open championships to his name, had advanced to the final by beating his doubles partner, Nilo Ledama, in the semifinals with scores of 6-4, 6-4. The tournament also saw Fritz Verdad and Rolly Saga clinch the men’s doubles title, overcoming Jose Maria Pague and Eric Tangub, while Nicole Ann Bautista and Nichole dela Rita secured the women’s doubles title against Minette Bentillo and Judy Ann Padilla.

Additional victories in the Legends division included Wilbur Orillano and Alexander Diego in the men’s doubles 30s, Dencio Canilas and Roy Denopol in the 40s, Alvin Lomongo and Remas Generelao in the 50s, Roy Baulete and Camilo Lasquite in the 60s, and the mixed doubles title went to the team of Bentillo and Benedict Lim.