For the third time Lapu-Lapu to host Davis Cup tie

CEBU, Philippines - The city government of Lapu-Lapu will play host to another Davis Cup tie scheduled to be held on February 1-3 next year still at the posh Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

Syria was initially set to stage the first round action of the world's biggest tennis team tournament but due to the political crisis that battered the oil-rich country, its hosting chores had been awarded to the Philippines instead.

“Yes, the Davis Cup event will again be held here," confirmed Lapu-Lapu Mayor Paz Radaza.

This marks for the third time that a Davis Cup Group 2 tie will take place in Mactan Island, the first two were held last year featuring Phl versus Japan first and then the Pinoys against Chinese-Taipei.

Phl lost in both games, but Cebu tennis emerged as the biggest winner for showing its capability of running an event of such magnitude with streamrolling success.

The Pinoy netters eventually missed the chance of being promoted to group 1 after losing to Indonesia, 3-2, in September 2011.

Next year, the Phl squad hopes to bounce back and make an impression to avoid being relegated into group 3.

Phl and Syria will lock up horns in a Davis Cup tilt for the first time ever, making it an exciting battle that the Cebuanos should watch out for.

It would be another uphill climb for Phl though as Syria has been elevated to group 2 after sweeping all its five matches in the Asia/Oceania Zone Group III.

The winner of the Phl-Syria showdown will face next either Kuwait or Thailand in the next stage slated on April 5-7.

The other countries under group 2 are New Zealand, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. (FREEMAN)