LAPU LAPU , Philippines – Ruben Gonzales hacked out a 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Thai top player Danai Udomchoke in the reverse singles to clinch the Davis Cup tie for the Philippines at the Plantation Bay Spa and Resort yesterday.
Gonzales, who snatched a victory in the opening singles when Thai No. 2 Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul retired due to cramps, showed his true worth this time, breaking Udomchoke once in the opening set before sustaining his form to dominate his fancied rival and complete a sweep.
That clinched the tie for Team Phl, 3-1, after Treat Huey and Francis Casey Alcantara broke a 1-1 count with a 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(4) victory in the pivotal doubles Saturday night. Udomchoke beat Johnny Arcilla, 6-3, 6-2, 1-6, 6-2, in the second opening day singles match.
Gonzales’ victory likewise rendered the Arcilla- Trongcharoenchaikul match at presstime non-bearing. The win also moved the Phl to the Asia Oceania Group 2 final against New Zealand, which demolished Pakistan, 4-1, in their own side of the Davis Cup tie.