Davis cup notebook

PHL bets challenge: Emulate the Azkals

CEBU, Philippines - Although a seemingly tough mission, a victory by the Philippines over Japan in their Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Zone Group 1 tie will surely be a 'spark plug' to tennis boom in the country just like what the Azkals did to football.

This is how Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (PHILTA) president Edwin Olivarez foresees things if the PHL squad pulls through against Japan.

“If we win, this team becomes the spark plug to Philippine tennis just like the Azkals. Everyone gets excited, so they support the sport," said Olivarez.

Olivarez said tennis is already getting tremendous support outside of Manila. It is a booming sport more so if the nation's Davis Cuppers skippered by Cecil Mamiit upset Japan.

Bright chance of winning

Despite Japan’s strong lineup, Olivarez strongly feels the country’s bets have good chances of winning.

“Maganda ang chances nating manalo,” said Olivarez while pointing out several factors that will tip the scales in favor of the Pinoys' favor such as the atmosphere, the team’s composition, weather, and the type of playing court.

Mamiit may not ring a bell in the world rankings but he remains strong and will count on his vast experience. Fellow Fil-Am Treat Huey continues to improve his skills and still riding high on his recent victory in Morocco.

Homegrown talents Johnny Arcilla, whose father is from Cebu, and Elbert Anasta, a native of Negros Occidental, are also Davis Cup veterans that make the PHL team a force to reckon with.

'Shell court'

Being the host, the Pinoys chose what ball and surface they will be playing in and they picked a 'shell court', which is likened by Olivarez to the clay courts of the French Open.

The next three days are also expected to be sunny, therefore, an added advantage to the hosts.

“Di sila (Japanese) sanay sa mainit. Winter dun nang umalis sila so mahihirapan sila dito.This is best-of-five set, three to four hours each match usually. The more na matagal ang laban, mas lalo silang (Japanese) mahihirapan,” Olivarez anticipates.

And don't count out the crowd who will definitely cheer for their compatriots to the max.

Japan's secret weapon: Sto. Niño?

Japanese consul Toshio Okajima said during the welcome dinner the other night at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa that while the Pinoy netters enjoy homecourt advantage, their other source of strength is Sr. Sto. Niño - the miraculous holy child whom the Cebuanos revered with unequalled devotion.

To the surprise of everyone, Okajima, while delivering a speech on stage, suddenly called on Japan's team captain Eiji Takeuchi and gave the latter what he called as their secret weapon. It was carefully wrapped in such a way that it could easily be mistaken as Sake or rice wine.

The Consul then told his fellow Japanese that Sto. Niño will be the one to help them win against the Pinoys. (FREEMAN)