Phl takes 2-0 edge over Pakistan

MANILA, Philippines - PJ Tierro and Fil-Am Ruben Gonzales came away with impressive straight-set victories over their respective rivals as Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippines swept its singles matches against Pakistan to seize a commanding 2-0 lead in the Asia-Oceania Zone Group II Davis Cup tie at the Philippine Columbian Association’s Plaza Dilao courts in Paco, Manila yesterday.

Riding the crest of his surprising semifinal run in the recent Olivarez Cup ITF Men’s Future, Tierro, 28, overwhelmed and got back at former tormentor Pakistan’s No. 1 player Ageel Khan, 7-5, 6-4, 6-4, to give the Filipinos the headstart in opening singles match.

Gonzales, also 28, had an easier time disposing of a US-trained Samir Iftikhar, 6-4, 6-3, 6-1, setting up world No. 25 Treat Conrad Huey and Johnny Arcilla for the clincher against world No. 27 Aisam Qureshi and Khan in today’s doubles match set at 1 p.m.

The reverse singles, if necessary, will be played tomorrow with Gonzales clashing with Khan and Tierro battling Iftikhar.

“My confidence is high after the Olivarez Cup,” said Tierro.

Gonzales, on the other hand, said he drew inspiration and motivation from the crowd who came and cheered for the team.

“I just want to thank the crowd who came over and cheered for us,” said Gonzales.

Although Arcilla is listed to play with Huey in the doubles, Gonzales may still take the spot as the Filipinos, whose Davis Cup campaign is sponsored by team manager Jean Henri Lhuillier of Cebuana Lhuillier, try to foil world-class doubles specialist Qureshi and secure the tie.

“We’ll see tomorrow (today),” said non-playing team captain Roland Kraut.

The second singles was marred by verbal exchanges between Gonzales and Iftikhar late in the third set after the latter complained of his serve that was ruled a fault.

Gonzales then silenced his rival with a booming ace.

For Tierro, the victory also ended a string of five straight losses in the Davis Cup, including a heart-rending 6-1, 7-6(7) defeat at the hands of the 34-year-old Khan four years ago.

“I know he (Khan) is a Davis Cup veteran but I beat players better than him in the Olivarez Cup so I kept telling myself that I can beat him,” said Tierro, who thus improved to 7-6 in Davis Cup singles.

Up 3-1 early, Tierro crumbled as Khan battered him with his power serves to take five of the next six games and wrest a 5-4 lead.

Tierro held serve on the 10th game by lacing it with a pair of powerful service winners to level it at 5, broke a faltering Khan on the 11th to seize a 6-5 lead then used his power service again to fight his way back from three break points to steal the opening set.

A resurgent Khan broke Tierro on the fifth game of the second set then held serve in the next to snare a 4-2 lead. But the Filipino ace regained his form and rhythm then peppered Khan with forehand winners to take the next four games and the set for a 2-0 advantage.

Tierro then watched Khan commit a maze of unforced errors to race to a 5-2 edge.

Serving for the match, Tierro failed to finish off Khan, who clawed his way back with a break and a hold before Tierro recovered to thwart Khan.

Tierro said the key was returning Khan’s first serves.

“Coach told me to just try to return all his serves because that’s his (Khan) strength,” said Tierro referring to Phl Davis Cup’s non-playing captain Roland Kraut.