Angping laughs off raps, backs Davis Cuppers

MANILA, Philippines - Proving he has nothing against Filipino-foreign athletes, Philippine Sports Commission chair Harry Angping yesterday vowed to continue supporting the RP Davis Cup team headed by Fil-Ams Cecil Mamiit and Treat Huey.

“I’m impressed with the team’s performance,” said Angping, who arrived Monday night along with the rest of the squad from a Davis Cup victory over Hong Kong, 4-1.

“Of course, the PSC will support them all the way,” said Angping.

The veteran Mamiit swept both singles matches and then teamed up with Huey, a doubles specialist at University of Virginia, to power the Filipinos to the Asia Oceania Zone Group II win.

The only other win came from Davis Cup rookie Francis Casey Alcantara, the other half of the duo that topped this year’s Australian Open juniors’ doubles, who won the last reverse singles match.

Patrick John Tierro, the only other team member, did not see action.

Mamiit and Huey, who took over from fellow Fil-Am Eric Taino, said they would help the team not just on the court but also off it.

“We take advantage of playing for the RP team not just to play for country and flag but also to impart knowledge and guide our younger teammates,” said Mamiit, who had a warm up session at the Rizal Tennis Center yesterday.

“We gain a lot of experience by playing in tournaments around the world and we wanted to contribute what we learn,” he said.

Huey agreed.

“We hope to help the group after every competition not just leading the team and winning. I just want to be with the team,” said Huey, who will remain with the team when RP takes on Pakistan next in July.

Angping said he has plans of asking Mamiit to help the country as a coach after his tour of duty.