Radaza upbeat on Davis Cup returns

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza is already looking at positive returns even if the Davis Cup tie between the Philippines and Japan is yet to be staged on March 4 to 6 at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

In yesterday’s inauguration of the international-standard tennis court that will be used for the three-day spectacle, Radaza said the investments poured in by the city government will carve a name in sports tourism.

“These world class bleachers will allow the city to host other international sporting events and entice international stars to do outdoor concerts here,” Radaza said.

Radaza bared that while the value of an international marketing campaign could cost Lapu-Lapu around a million dollars, they achieved it at no extra cost by hosting the Davis Cup.

“We are able to launch an international marketing campaign without having to cough up a sizable amount,” Radaza said.

Though the games are yet to begin, Lapu-Lapu is now talking with some investors who expressed their intentions to pour in million of pesos to invest in sports tourism facilities.

“Under my administration, Lapu-Lapu City is adopting a new business model by embarking on an international marketing campaign through sports tourism, using minimal investment but with very high return," she said.

Before the battle begins, there will be a two-day fans' day that will take place in two separate locations.

Tennis buffs will get a chance to hobnob with the country’s bets on February 24 at the Baseline Sports and Recreation Center.

The members of the PHL Team, composed of skipper Cecil Mamiit, Treat Condrad Huey, Johnny Arcilla, Albert Anasta and PJ Tierro, are set to arrive on Monday although it is not yet sure whether all of them will be arriving at the same time as some of them will still be playing in Zamboanga City.

During the fans' day, the PHL netters will hold a short public workout. Afterwhich, there will be autograph signing and picture-taking.

Part two of the fans' day will be on the 27th at the Lapu-Lapu City tennis courts near the City Hall wherein both the Filipino and Japanese players will show up. (FREEMAN)