Huey, Mamiit open Pinoys bid vs Kiwis

MANILA, Philippines - Treat Conrad Huey will go up against Daniel King Turner and Cecil Mamiit takes on Jose Statham in the opening singles today of the Philippines-New Zealand Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group II finale at the PCA center court in Paco, Manila.

Members of the RP team said they like the result of the draw, confident Huey can handle the pressure of playing the Kiwis’ top bet in the opening match and build early momentum for the local team.

The first match is set at 10 a.m. and the second at 1 p.m. in the crucial tie with the winner being elevated to Group I.

Nominated to play the doubles at 1 p.m. tomorrow are Johnny Arcilla and Elbert Anasta from the home team and Turner and G.D. Jones from the New Zealand side.

“It’s a good draw for us. Treat played first the last time (against Pakistan). He’s used to that kind of play. I think we’re okay,” said RP non-playing team captain Chris Cuarto after the draw held at the Century Park Sheraton Hotel.

The Kiwis, however, also expressed confidence, saying they have a team that has vastly improved from the time they were humbled by the Filipinos on their turf in Auckland in 2007.

To acclimatize with the Manila weather, the Kiwis trained in Thailand for eight days before flying over for this week’s tie.

“It’s going to be tough playing on foreign soil but we’re hopeful we’ll end up the winners,” said Turner, the Kiwis’ highest rated player, ranked No. 343 in the world.

The other New Zealand players also have ATP points making them the favorites in the showdown at least on paper.

“These New Zealanders are good players as shown by their rankings. They’re traveling and playing tournaments and should be prepared for this Davis Cup tie,” said Cuarto.

“We have high respect on their game, but we have our advantage and we want to get the most out of it. One of them is the weather. Humidity at the PCA indoor courts can also affect our players but it will surely affect them more. They’re coming from an extreme cold weather in New Zealand,” Cuarto added.

“They have the seedings and the rankings, but it doesn’t count in the Davis Cup. This is a team event. You play for your country and we also have the edge playing before our countrymen.”

Huey said he’s ready against Turner and he’s hoping he can draw first blood for the Philippines as he did in their semis tie against Pakistan also at the PCA shell courts.

Meanwhile, RP Davis Cup long-time team manager Jean Henri Lhuillier expressed confidence in the chances of the team. “I have full confidence in our team. With all the training and preparation they underwent, I believe this will be one of the team’s best performances since it will also be their tribute to two Filipino heroes, the late Ninoy and Cory Aquino. Our support for the team will be our explicit expression of our unity and solidarity as a nation, “ said Lhuillier.