Huey, Mamiit score 2-0 wins over Kiwis

MANILA, Philippines - With Manila’s scorching heat and humid air obviously coming into play, the Philippines ended New Zealand’s unbeaten run in the season as the home team swept the opening singles of their Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group II championship tie at the PCA center court yesterday.

Treat Conrad Huey and Cecil Mamiit wore down Daniel King Turner and Jose Statham, respectively, as the RP Davis Cup team took a step closer to a return stint in Group I play.

Huey drew first blood for the Philippines as he defeated Turner, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-0, retired, then Mamiit sustained the momentum in blasting Statham, 6-4, 7-5, 6-2.

The Kiwis scored perfect 5-0 wins over the Malaysians and Indonesians to advance to this tie sponsored by Cebuana Lhuillier, the Philippine Sports Commission, Phiten and Dunlop.

With a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-five tie, the RP netters can finish off the Kiwis with a win in the doubles today or in any of the reverse singles tomorrow.

The Philippines, winner over Hong Kong in the first round then against Pakistan in the second, gets elevated to Group I play if it goes on to win the championship tie.

“We’re glad we’re in this position. We now look forward to the exciting doubles. Hopefully, we can close it out at 3-0 since the goal is to win as much as we can,” said Mamiit.

Johnny Arcilla and Elbert Anasta are entered to play the doubles but RP non-playing captain Chris Cuarto has hinted at the plan to change the roster.

“We’re going strong tomorrow (today),” said Cuarto, hinting at tapping the Treat-Mamiit pair to take over from Arcilla and Anasta.

“Treat and Cecil played only three sets (in the opening singles). They will still be fresh if they play the doubles,” Cuarto said.

Turner is also nominated to play the doubles. The Kiwi top bet, however, may now be doubtful for the match after failing to finish the opening singles against Treat.

Exhausted and dehydrated, Turner retired at the start of the fourth set, trailing one-set-to-two. He was then rushed to a nearby hospital and was given IV fluids.

The extreme heat in the venue proved too much for Turner, melting down despite cooling pads he wore during breaks.

“It was really hot out there but I felt good and fit,” said Huey.

“It was the combination of the heat and Treat’s game. Treat really played well, making the other guy tired. He had him all over the court,” said Cuarto.

The weather improved by the time Statham set out for the second singles. However, Mamiit proved too strong for the New Zealand No. 2 bet.

“After Treat won, I said to myself I have to take care of business. I don’t want to stay long (on the court),” said Mamiit, disposing of Statham in two hours and 10 minutes.

“I should have closed it out earlier leading 5-2 in the second set. But he won’t give it to me. It’s a sign that he’s a fighter, a player with great determination,” Mamiit said.