Mamiit seals Davis Cup win over Pakistan

Behind the efforts of Fil-American Cecil Mamiit, the Philippines got rid of Pakistan yesterday and will next face New Zealand in its determined bid to regain its spot in Group 1 of the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Zone.

The 30-year-old Mamiit, who has endeared himself to the Filipinos since he won the gold in the 2005 Manila SEA Games, demolished Aqeel Jalil, 6-1, 6-3, 6-2, at the packed Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

Mamiit gave the Philippines an insurmountable 3-1 lead in the Group 2 best-of-five tie against Pakistan. PJ Tierro made it 4-1 by beating Yasir Khan, 6-3, 6-0, in a non-bearing contest.

The Philippines advanced to the next round against New Zealand, which is safely up, 3-0, in its own tie against Pacific Oceania. The RP-New Zealand matchup is set April 6 to 8 in Aukland.

On the other half of the Asia Oceania Group 2 are Kuwait, which is 3-0 up against Iran, and Indonesia which is ahead 2-1 against Hong Kong. The winner of the April ties will advance to the finals on September.

Only the top team will climb to Group 1 next year, and join teams like Japan, Korea, China and Kazakhstan. In the World Group are the kings – France, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, United States and reigning champion Russia.

The Philippines last made it to Group 1 in 1995 with players like Joseph Lizardo and Bobby Angelo. It’s been to the World Group, too, in 1991 behind Felix Barrientos and Roland So, and has emerged as Eastern Zonal champion in late ’50s and early ’60s behind Felicisimo Ampon.

With the entry of Mamiit and fellow Fil-American Eric Taino, and a sprinkling of homegrown talents like Johnny Arcilla and Tierro, regaining a spot in Group 1 has become a big possibility.

"We’re making sure that we’re heading toward the right direction. We’re now seeing the progress of Philippine tennis," said Mamiit who just loves playing for the Philippines.

Mamiit and Taino have sacrificed a lot just to be here. They’ve given up a lot of perks, benefits from the US Tennis Association, and of course a lot of money by missing tournaments in the US and play in the Davis Cup.

It’s the second Davis Cup tie for these pair of Fil-Americans. Last year they also helped the Philippines beat Iran at the Manila Polo Club. They won gold medals in the SEA Games, and a bronze in the Asian Games.

"I’m having a lot of goose bumps right now. It’s a pleasure playing here. I see people smiling. I love the crowd. I love the enthusiasm. I see a lot of kids. I hope someday they’ll be part of this.

"I’m fortunate to be a Filipino. I’m brown and proud. I like adobo and madaming kanin (plenty of rice)," Mamiit shouted over the microphone as his father Cesar, from Laguna, watched with pride.

"It’s always an unforgettable experience every time we play here," said Taino as the beautiful crowd watched and cheered from the stands.