Alcantara, Huey put Phl on verge of win Pinoys zap Thais in doubles to take 2-1 lead in Davis Cup

CEBU, Philippines - Fil-Am Treat Huey and Francis Casey Alcantara of the Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Philippine  Team zapped their Thai foes Nuttanon Kadchapanan and Pruchya Isarow in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, 7-6  (7-4) to take a 2-1 lead in the second round of the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group 2 tie last night at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

Huey and Alcantara went off to a flying start, dominating the first two sets with finesse but the Thais got the break they needed to put up a scare to the Pinoys in the third frame.

The opening session saw Huey and Alcantara playing so aggressive and explosive that sent the Thais helpless.

Even as Huey slowed down a bit in the ensuing set, the Phl squad still dished out a  fine performance to frustrate the Thai visitors.

Not giving up the battle, Kadchapanan gave his all and prevented the Pinoys to seal the match after the eighth game.

Tied at 6-all, Huey and Alcantara had no plans to go into a fourth set to win the tie break  at 7-4.

“Paspas kaayo siya (Treat Huey). I just did the serves and Treat did the rest. We only had five days to practice together, but we pulled it through. I made a promise to the Cebuanos to win  and promises are not made to be broken,”said Alcantara, who hails from Cagayan de Oro.

Team captain Roland Kraut was so happy that Huey and Alcantara hurdled the third rubber to give Phl the pivotal lead.

“At least with the win in the doubles, di na tayo ganun ka-pressured bukas (today). Although Udomchoke (Danai) is good, I know Ruben can defeat him. That if di sila magpapalit ha,” said Kraut,  referring to the first reverse singles between Gonzales and Udomche set at 3:30pm today.

“I’m ready. I didn’t play the doubles today so I was able to rest. I play pretty simple, but  I have been playing a lot of clay courts, so I’m confident,” said Gonzales.

The second reserve singles will pit Johnny Arcilla against Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul.

The winner of the Phl-Thailand duel will advance into the third and final round of Group II against either New Zealand or Pakistan this September. The winner in the third round moves up to Group I, while the loser will stay in Group II.

Philippines have regularly switched between Group I and II for the last seven years. Last year, they failed to break back into Group I after losing to Indonesia in the final round of Group II. In their opening tie of the 2013 season, they beat Syria, 3-2, inside two days.

Thailand has spent the last four years in Group II but came close to promotion in 2010 and 2011 when it reached the final round. The Thais fell in the semifinal round last year so they will surely be looking to win this tie and have another chance at promotion. They spent 2000-2009 in Group I. (FREEMAN)