Pinoys seek redemption vs Uzbeks

Failing to hurdle Japan in its recent Asia-Oceania Davis Cup Group I tie, the Philippines has now trained its sights on Uzbekistan for its April showdown in the relegation group.

“It was tough losing especially if you’re playing infront of your countrymen,” said Cecil Mamiit, who with fellow Fil-Am Eric Taino spearheaded the RP team that absorbed a humbling 0-5 beating from Japan. “But what can I say, we gave it our best, we just have to learn from it and consider it just a bump on the road.”

The RP netters is set to host its match with Uzbekistan tentatively set in Cebu in April with the Filipinos out to get back at the Uzbeks who beat them in a relegation tie in 1997.

Only Johnny Arcilla remained from that team that included Adelo Abadia, Michael Mora and Rolando Ruel, Jr.

“We have two months to prepare for our Davis Cup tie with Uzbekistan,” said RP non-playing team captain Martin Misa.

Mamiit, who suffered his first losses after 13 straight triumphs that included nine singles wins since joining RP two years ago, said he will compete in a couple of tournaments in Thailand and the United States to hone up for their upcoming clash with the Uzbeks, who were edged by the Indians, 2-3, in their own side of the Davis Cup duel last week.

Taino, slowed down by a viral infection that affected his game, said he’s more concerned on getting back to his old competitive self.

“I actually have no plans right now but I would like to return to the US to join some tournaments there and get healthy I guess,” said Taino.

The Filipinos lost all five of their matches to the fancied Japanese, including heartbreaking losses in the opening singles and doubles matches that could have gone either way.

PJ Tierro dropped a 1-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, 4-6, to Go Soeda while Mamiit fell to Takao Suzuki, 5-7, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 2-6 in the singles matches. Mamiit and Taino then lost to Soeda and Suzuki, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (8), 6-7 (5), 4-6, to seal the RP netters’ fate.

Arcilla then bowed to Soeda, 3-6, 2-6, and Taino lost to Yuichi Sugita, 2-6, 3-6, in the non-bearing reverse singles.