|
THE RP Davis Cuppers gear up for their crucial match against
Uzbekistan in the Davis Cup Asia Oceania relegation playoff on April
11 to 13.
After absorbing a stunning 5-0 defeat against
Japan in the opening round last February, non-playing team captain
Martin Misa expressed optimism on their chances this time as the
national squad begins its training at the indoor clay court of the
Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) in Paco, Manila.
The Philippines will have a formidable team
composed of Fil-Americans Cecil Mamiit and Eric Taino and homegrown
talents Patrick John Tierro and Johnny Arcilla.
The 31-year-old Mamiit recently reached the
semifinals of the Thailand F3 Futures 2008 in Nonthaburi.
Mamiit, world’s No. 522, toppled Indonesian
Elbert Sie (6-0, 6-2), Korean Cho Min Hyeok (3-6, 6-1, 6-2) and
American Nathan Thompson (7-5, 6-0) before absorbing a 2-6, 5-7
defeat over eventual champion Bai Yan of China.
“Our local players are doing well in their
practices as well as Mamiit and Taino who are both coming off their
respective stints in the United States and some tournaments in
Asia,” said Misa, who expects a strong challenge from Uzbekistan
which is also aiming to bounce back from their 3-2 loss against the
Indians.
“We are focusing right now on our endurance.
Sobra ang init ngayon kumpara noong February kaya as much as
possible makabisado na nila ang kundisyon ng PCA,” added Misa.
The Uzbeks will be bannered by world ranked
156th and Asia’s No. 4 Denis Istomin, Farrukh Dustov (No. 259),
Sarvar Ikramov (No. 708), Murad Inoyatov (No. 855) and Vaja Uzakov
(No. 823).
Winner in this relegation playoff will secure a
place in Group I in 2009.
-- Emil Noguera
|
