D Cuppers look forward to Taiwan tie

MANILA, Philippines - It did not take long for the Philippine Davis Cup team to put the 5-0 loss to New Zealand behind, and look forward to its next tie against Chinese Taipei in September.

Youthful Jeson Patrombon and veteran Cecil Mamiit were swept in yesterday’s reverse singles in Hawera as the host Kiwis completed the shutout win over the Filipinos.

Patrombon, a top 20 junior player, started strong against Marcus Daniell but went on to drop a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 setback in his David Cup debut.

Mamiit then failed to notch a consolation win when he took a 6-4, 7-5 loss to Russian-born Artem Sitak at the close of their Group 1 Asia-Oceania tie.

New Zealand’s non-playing captain, Marcel Vos, said the result did not come as a surprise.

“Five-nil is what we wanted. It’s what we were hoping for at the beginning of the clash. It was a real team effort. I’m really proud the team played the way they did,” he said.

With the victory, New Zealand made sure it would stay in Group 1, while the loss sent the Philippines to a knockout tie against Chinese Taipei.

The Filipinos took the loss in strides.

“It was a tough tie but everyone should remember we are in the elite Group 1 of the Asia Oceania region and there is no easy game in Group 1,” said Philippine Davis Cup team coordinator Randy Villanueva.

“That’s the reason why we are the only Southeast Asian country in Group 1 of the Davis Cup. The rest are in Groups 2, 3 and 4,” he said.

The Philippines played minus Treat Huey who was busy campaigning in theUS. But the good news is that Huey has committed to play for the team in September.

“We missed Treat in this tie and that’s a big blow. That could have made the difference. The good news is we just need to win versus Taipei and we are hosting that tie,” said Villanueva.

“Then everything will be the same. This tie against New Zealand will not matter anymore,” he added.

Huey has already relayed a message to the team that he wants in for the next tie, saying, “I want to get back at Chinese Taipei. I’m looking forward to the home game and sending Chinese Taipei to Group 2.”

The Philippines lost to Chinese Taipei in July last year, 4-1.When they meet, the stakes will be higher since the loser will drop to Group 2.