Mamiit lifts RP to 2-1 lead

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Am Cecil Mamiit came away with two victories Saturday to power the Philippines to a 2-1 lead over Hong Kong in their Asia-Oceania Zone Group II duel at the Victoria Park in Hong Kong.

The 32-year-old Mamiit, the reigning back-to-back Southeast Asian Games singles gold medalist, came out smoking from a rain-delayed game, thumping Hiu Tung Yu, 7-6, 6-1, 6-1, in the completion of the second singles match to equalize for the Philippines, 1-1.

The hosts gained a 1-0 edge Friday after veteran Martin Sayer spoiled Fil-Am Treat Conrad Huey’s Davis Cup debut, 6-4, 7-6, 6-2, before heavy rains halted the Mamiit-Yu match.

Mamiit, aiming to start another run in Davis Cup after a 9-0 streak was snapped last year, returned in the afternoon and teamed up with Treat for a 7-5, 6-2, 7-6 decision over Sayer and Yu.

Mamiit tries to give the Philippines an unbeatable 3-1 lead at 2 p.m. Sunday when he tangles with Sayer in the reverse singles.

The second reverse singles will follow with Treat initially billed to meet Yu.

The winner of this tie will gain the semifinals and will face the winner between Pakistan and Oman on July 10-12 with the victor advancing to the finals and the chance to gain entry into Group I.

The winner of this second round tie will then meet the winner of the lower bracket of the draw, composed of second seed New Zealand, Indonesia, Kuwait and Malaysia on Sept. 18-20 for the Group title and a promotion to Group I next year.