Tennis bold prediction — five golds

A leading Philippine tennis official predicts the sport will score an ace in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games.

"We have a stronger team this time. We have a strong grassroots program and despite budget constraint, we’re able to send our athletes abroad to train and play against world-class competitors," said Col. (ret.) Salvador Andrada, chairman and former president of the Philippine Tennis Association (PTA).

The decision of Fil-American tennis star Cecil Mamiit, a veteran campaigner in the ATP Tour, to play for the national team is what makes Andrada confident about winning at least a number of gold medals in the sport.

"A good of five (gold medals) and a worse of three," said Andrada.

Banking on experience and a year-round training in noted tennis academy in Australia and India, Andrada said the gold may come in the men’s single event, where the 22-year old US-educated Fil-Am will see action.

"Mamiit’s only rival in the event is Danai Ochok of Thailand, wala nang iba. Malaki ang laban natin dahil for the record lamang si Mamiit sa kanilang head-to-head duel," said Andrada.

Ochok is the second best tennis player in Thailand next to Paradorn Srichaphan who opted not to join the team due to his tight schedule in the Tour, although the 23-year old Olympian is setting his eyes in the Asian Indoor Championship set just days after the SEA Games.

Mamiit will be paired with Eric Tayno in the men’s doubles. PJ Tierro and John Arceo comprise the other members of the men’s team.

The women’s squad is composed of Fil-Am Anya Peters, Denise Dy, Lariza Salvador and national youth champion Chariza Mae Arevalo.