RP to host Kiwis in September

MANILA, Philippines - For the RP Davis Cup team, things continued to get better as New Zealand topped Indonesia in the other Asia-Oceania Zone Group II semifinal tie over in Jakarta.

The Philippines and New Zealand meet in the September finale where the Filipinos will be the hosts, enjoying familiarity with the court plus the home crowd support.

RP team top bet Cecil Mamiit is optimistic on their chance for promotion back to Group I play, saying the home court advantage could work well for them versus the Kiwis.

The Philippines settled for a 3-2 win over Pakistan in their Group II semis tie yesterday at the PCA center court with Niño Alcantara and Patrick John Tierro losing the non-bearing reverse singles.

Tierro was beaten by Aqeel Khan, 1-6, 6-7 (7-9), then Alcantara squandered a first-set win in bowing to Jalil Khan, 6-1, 6-7 (8-10), 3-6.

Mamiit and company won over the Kiwis, 4-1, in the most recent RP-New Zealand Davis Cup tie held in Auckland in 2007.

“They’re (the Kiwis) stronger now with three or maybe four highly-ranked players. On paper, with their rankings, they’re little more superior, but we’ll see. We’ll definitely take advantage of our home court edge,” said Mamiit.

“They’re strong overall but I still think we’re evenly matched. Our big advantage is our home court and the home crowd that could really help us,” Mamiit added.

The veteran Rubin Statam and newcomers Daniel King Turner, Adam Thompson and GD Jones compose the New Zealand team.

“I know these guys. I have travelled with them, I know their results and I know what to expect from them. What could be the difference is the venue,” said Mamiit.

RP officials said they will work for the RP-New Zealand tie to be also held at the PCA shell courts.

With a little a month to prepare for the Kiwis, Mamiit plans to play four or five tournaments in the US before returning here.

“The summer tour is ongoing in the US. I’m looking to play some tournaments. Hopefully, Treat and I can play together,” said Mamiit.

In 2007, Mamiit and Eric Taino clinched their tie against the Kiwis early by sweeping the opening singles and the doubles. The lone loss by the RP team then was the one suffered by Johnny Arcilla in the non-bearing reverse singles.