|
By Emil C. Noguera, Correspondent
THE Philippines and Uzbekistan split the opening
day singles matches as Fil-American Cecil Mamiit defeated Farrukh
Dustov, 5-7, 6-3, 5-5 (ret.) in the 2008 Davis Cup Asia-Oceania
Group I relegation playoff on Friday at the Philippine Columbian
Association clay court.
“We are both nervous but it’s a matter of
guts and will. It’s a good start for us and we are looking forward
to our doubles game tomorrow [Saturday]. The doubles game is very
important because that will set the momentum of the series.
Hopefully, the atmosphere will be the same,” said the 31-year-old
Mamiit, ranked No. 517 in the world.
After almost three hours of intense battle,
Dustov, who led 4-1 in the third set, was forced to give up due to
cramps on both legs and dizziness.
“Both my legs are hurting,” said world’s
No. 306 Dustov.
Earlier, world’s No. 156 Denis Istomin
capitalized on his solid forehand and steady serve to beat Patrick
John Tierro, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3, in one hour and 58 minutes.
“It was a tough game. He [Tierro] has a good
serve and strong forehand. The weather is fine because we’ve been
practicing here for almost two weeks,” said the 6’2” Istomin,
a regular campaigner in Grand Slam tournaments.
“We are expecting for an early 2-0 lead but
1-1 is okay. We still have three more matches. I think he’ll [Dustov]
be okay tomorrow. We’ll see,” added Istomin.
The crucial doubles event is scheduled on
Saturday at 1 p.m. with Mamiit and fellow Fil-Am Eric Taino expected
to go all out to take the upper hand in this best-of-five tie.
“Before the game, I told my players that the
Uzbeks are going to come out firing and I am happy with the result.
Our starategy is to prolong the game to make them [Uzbeks] tired,”
said non-playing captain Manny Tecson.
|
