Phl bets, Thais promise exciting Davis Cup due

CEBU, Philippines - Team Philippines and their rivals from Thailand both promised to put on a show when they clash head-on in the second round of the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group II tie on April 5-7 at the posh Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City.

Skippered by Roland Kraut, host Phl will be bannered by long-time Davis Cupper Johnny Arcilla, the US-based Francis Casey “Niño” Alcantara and Fil-Ams Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales.

“I’ve always wanted to play here (Plantation Bay) since the first tie but I was only allowed by my coach to play only now,” said Alcantara, a mainstay of Pepperdine University.

The 21-year-old Alcantara, who was commissioned to replace Elbert Anasta, is expected to infuse more vigor to the team with his vast experience despite his youth.

The rest of the Filipino players are also in their best forms, with Huey coming from a second place finish in the doubles event of the prestigious BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells two weeks ago.

Gonzales, for his part, flexed his tennis muscles abroad including in Texas and Mexico, while Arcilla had been winning one tournament after the other here.

“Yeah, they’re ready. They’re in tip-top shape. Sanay na din sila dito, sa weather. Mindset nila - positive!” said Kraut in yesterday's pre-draw press conference at Plantation Bay.

Thailand, on the other hand, hopes to get even with Phl as they head into their sixth meeting. The Pinoys won their first three matches before Thailand bounced back in their next two encounters, the last one in 1999.

As if an early warning for the Pinoys, Thai skipper Tanakorn Srichaphan said they are sending the best team Thailand has ever formed.

“So far, so good. We’re definitely going to do our best. This is the best team we have formed so far,” said  Tanakorn.

Against Phl, Thailand will bank on Danai Udomchoke, who is rated No.210 in the world, along with Nuttanon Kadchapanan, Pruchya Isarow and the 6-foot-4 newcomer Wishaya Trongcharoenchaikul.

The winner of the Phl-Thailand duel will advance into the third and final round of Group II against either New Zealand or Pakistan this September. The winner in the third round moves up to Group I, while the loser will stay in Group II.

Philippines have regularly switched between Group I and II for the last seven years. Last year they failed to break back into Group I after losing to Indonesia in the final round of Group II. In their opening tie of the 2013 season, they beat Syria, 3-2, inside two days.

Thailand has spent the last four years in Group II but came close to promotion in 2010 and 2011 when it reached the final round. It fell in the semifinal round last year so will be looking to win this tie and have another chance at promotion. It spent 2000-2009 in Group I. (FREEMAN)