Arthur Craig Pantino Granted Wild Card Entry in 42nd PCA Open Tennis Championships

Arthur Craig Pantino, a Cebu-born Davis Cup player, has been awarded a wild card entry to compete in the 42nd Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open Tennis Championships, set to commence this weekend at the PCA indoor shell court in Paco, Manila. Pantino will join other wild card recipients including local players Miguel Lagac, Rap Teng, Al Zayeed Baid, Christian Balang, Raymond Padigos, as well as Thailand’s Tanakorn Srirat.

Pantino recently played a key role in the Philippine team’s 2-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan during the Asia Oceania Group IV play-offs held last July in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This triumph secured the country’s promotion to Group III in the Davis Cup. He partnered with teammates Albert Lim Jr., Eric “Jed” Olivarez, Francis Casey Alcantara, and Ruben Gonzales throughout that campaign.

Albert Lim Jr., the defending PCA Open singles champion, had previously claimed the title by defeating Olivarez decisively last year, winning 6-3, 6-1, 6-1 in the final.

For Pantino, the experience matters more than expectations. The 24-year-old sociology graduate from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles stated, "I’m not expecting anything at the PCA Open. I just want to enjoy and we’ll see how it goes."

Qualifying matches are currently in progress, with eight players scheduled to advance to the 64-man main draw.

In last year’s doubles events, Albert Lim and Angeline Alcala won the mixed doubles title by defeating Rolly Saga and Joanna Tan, 6-2, 6-3. Meanwhile, Marian Capadocia continued her dominance by securing her 10th consecutive women’s singles championship, overcoming Khim Iglupas with a score of 6-2, 6-4. In the women’s doubles, Rovie Baulate and Elsie Abarquez triumphed over Bambi Zoleta and Aileen Rogan, 6-3, 6-2.