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By Emil C. Noguera, Correspondent
DENNIS ISTOMIN and Farrukh Dustov defeated Fil-Americans
Cecil Mamiit and Frederick Taino, 7-6 (12-10), 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (4), on
Saturday to give Uzbekistan a 2-1 lead in the Asia-Oceania Zone
Group 1 Davis Cup first-round playoff at the Philippine Columbian
Association shell-clay center court.
The towering duo of Istomin and Dustov needed
three hours and 37 minutes to dispose of Mamiit and Taino and avenge
their quarterfinal loss during the 2006 Doha Asian Games.
“It was a tough game. We lost our serve early
in the fourth set but we are happy that we were able to regain our
concentration and pull off the win. All in all, we played good
today,” said the world’s No. 156 Istomin, who won the opening
singles over US-born Filipino Patrick John Tierro, 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.
“It’s [2-1 lead] a good chance for us
because the momentum went on our side. We’ll see what will happen
tomorrow,” added the 6’2” Istomin, who fired four aces.
Mamiit and Taino raced to a 4-1 lead in the
fourth set but the Uzbek pair fought back to force the tiebreak.
“We didn’t get the breaks. They are tough
team and they played tough today. But it’s not over yet. We’re
still alive. We want to stay positive because everybody worked hard
for this. I am ready to face him [Istomin] tomorrow [Sunday]. It’s
just a matter of being fresh,” said the 31-year-old Mamiit, ranked
No. 517 in the world.
The Philippines must sweep the reverse singles
on Sunday with Mamiit facing Istomin in the first match at 11 a.m.
while Taino will most likely play against Dustov in the second match
at 1 p.m.
“Eric is definitely pumped up and I think is
also ready to play tomorrow. He is the backbone of the team. He is a
great player, has the experience and the abilities,” said Mamiit,
who took the second singles, 5-7, 6-3, 5-5 after Dustov retired due
to leg cramps.
The winner of this tie will keep its seat in
Group I while the loser will go into the playoffs second round
against the loser between Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei, with the
winner getting the last Group I slot and the loser being demoted to
Group II next year.
“We will fight up to the end. Mabigat ang
laban pero malaki ang tiwala ko sa mga players natin,” said
non-playing team captain Manny Tecson.
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