Cuppers brace for Good Friday duel vs Pakistanis

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Davis Cup team hopes to hurdle the first of two blocks leading to its return to Group I as it takes on Pakistan in the Asia-Oceania Group II tie at the PCA courts in Paco, Manila starting on Good Friday.

Fil-Ams Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales hit town as early as last Sunday while Francis Casey Alcantara was scheduled to plane in last night. Along with Johnny Arcilla, they are set to train together as a team starting today.

“For sure, the team will be complete tomorrow (today),” said Phl Davis Cup team administrator Randy Villanueva.

Pakistan, composed of Aisam Qureshi, Aqeel Khan, Yasir Khan, Muhammad Abid and non-playing captain Mohammed Khalid, is also expected to arrive today.

While the visiting team will bring in its best, the host will have to cope with the absence of veteran Cecil Mamiit, who has begged off, and fast-rising Jeson Patrombon, who was sidelined by an ankle injury.

Villanueva also hopes the crowd will have time to watch and support the local netters despite the event being held on Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday.

“We hope that the crowd shows up even though it’s Holy Week,” he said.