Phl vs. Syria Davis Cup tie open to the public for free

CEBU, Philippines - In a rare treat to the Cebuanos, the city government of Lapu-Lapu under the flagship of Mayor Paz Radaza will open to the public for free its third hosting of a Davis Cup Group 2 event featuring host Philippines against Syria scheduled on February 1-3 next year still at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

This was announced by the organizers in a news conference yesterday at the posh resort and spa. Aside from Radaza, among those who graced the affair were Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) Vice President Randy Villanueva, Plantation Bay General Manager Efren Belarmino, Councilor Harry Radaza, Cebuana Lhuillier Regional Manager Anton Arietta and Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) President John Pages.

Initially, Syria was supposed to stage the event but due to the turbulent peace and order situation in the oil-rich country, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) awarded the hosting chores to Phl upon receiving a formal request from PHILTA.

“Because of the conflict there (Syria), they could not host the event. It should have been held on a neutral ground, but PHILTA requested the international body and approved it,” said Villanueva.

Being free to the public, Villanueva is looking forward to the full support of the Cebuanos not only during the opening day but in the entire duration of the three-day joust.

And just like what they did during the historic Ironman last August, Mayor Radaza assured they would also come up with a cheering squad to lift up the spirits of the country’s bets that will be known on December 22 yet.

“We will be mapping out plans for it to support the Philippine team,” said Mayor Radaza.

The battle between the Philippines and Syria is a very crucial one since winning against them will give the Pinoys a step higher to its goal of returning to Group 1.

 The impressive track record set by Lapu-Lapu City and Plantation Bay in their past two stagings of Davis Cup have largely contributed for the return of such prestigious tournament to the Queen City of the South.

Although it will be free to the public, thanks mostly to Smart Communications for the sponsorship, the organizers will still be issuing tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.

From 1,500 seats, the third edition will only be able to accommodate a maximum of 800 free seats as cocktail tables will be set up for the paying visitors and VIPs.

Councilor Radaza, the city council's committee chairman on sports and tourism, said they will be utilizing the same traffic and parking scheme.

The management of Plantation Bay in coordination with the city government, however, will redesign the security plan inside the resort so to ensure that some spectators will not take advantage of using the resort for free. (FREEMAN)