Group I, SEAG next for Cuppers

MANILA, Philippines - Fil-Am netters Cecil Mamiit and Treat Conrad Huey are now looking forward to get back on the ATP Tour in a bid to improve their rankings and enhance their skills in preparation for the SEA Games in December and the Group I play of the Davis Cup competition next year.

Mamiit and Huey said they will not rest on their laurels after keying a triumphant RP team ride leading to its return to Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group I play.

The Philippines completed a 4-1 win over New Zealand in the Asia-Oceania Group II finale after a split in the reverse singles at the close of the tie at the PCA Center Court in Paco, Manila yesterday.

Johnny Arcilla outlasted Mikal Statham, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, before Elbert Anasta was beaten by Jose Statham, 1-6, 5-7.

Mamiit and Huey clinched the tie in the first two days as they swept the opening singles and the doubles.

“Definitely, we have the talent. A little luck in the draw and some ties here in Manila will help us in that Group A competition,” said Mamiit.

“I’m still healthy and I will definitely take care of myself. The young players have to work to improve their game. This is a good opportunity for them. We’re on a streak. Hopefully, we can keep on going,” Mamiit added.

“It’s great playing for the country. I’ll take the next week off then play ATP Challenges in California and other tournaments in South Africa. I’ll work to improve my rankings and my game to continue to be of help to the country in the Davis Cup,” said Huey.

Mamiit and Huey had splendid showings in the Davis Cup this year, carrying the RP team back to Group I play where the Filipinos have a chance to gain a ticket to the World Group playoffs.

Since the change in the Davis Cup format, the Philippines has been in the World Group playoffs just once in 1991 through a team led by Felix Barrientos and Roland So. Under the previous format, the Philippines was the Eastern Zone champion in 1957, 1958, 1960 and 1964, losing in the semifinals of the inter-zonal on all four occasions.

After a year of relegation to Group II play, the Philippines gained a return trip to Group I with victories over Hong Kong, Pakistan and New Zealand this campaign.

Mamiit, who has seven ITF titles, once beating grand slam champions Andre Agassi and Michael Chang, won all seven matches he played in the three ties.

Huey, taking over the place of Eric Taino, went 5-1, winning two singles and three doubles.

“I’m inspired by the people. I’m very happy they’re acknowledging our wins, our efforts, our sacrifices,” said Mamiit.

“Group I will be tough. We welcome any ideas that can help us. We’re on the winning stage and I want us to get going,” Mamiit added.

At 33, Mamiit is also still looking at a return in grand slam play. From as high as No. 72, his ranking went down to below 500 after a long stretch of inactivity in the tour.

“Definitely, I still want to play the grand slam. It’s a long road but I’ll try to work on it,” said Mamiit.