Philippines wins Davis Cup tie over Indonesia

MANILA, Philippines -  Ruben Gonzales stopped David Agung Susanto of Indonesia with a methodical, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 victory as Cebuana Lhuillier-Philippines Davis Cup team wrapped up its Asia-Oceania Group 2 tie at the PCA indoor courts yesterday.

Young Alberto Lim Jr. redeemed himself from his Cup debut loss last Friday as he drubbed Anthony Susanto in an abbreviated final singles match, 7-5, 6-3, to complete a 4-1 romp for the hosts.?Gonzales, 31, dominated Susanto all throughout and went on to post his 10th Davis Cup victory in 15 matches.

It was actually Gonzales’ second win as he also toppled Aditya Hari Sasongko, 6-2, 6-2, 6-4, to split the opening day singles following the sorry 3-6, 2-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-1 (ret.) setback of Lim to Susanto Friday.

The country’s premier doubles players Treat Huey and Francis Alcantara gave the Philippines a 2-1 lead with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Susanto and Sunu-Wahyu Trijati Saturday.

“It was good effort. I think it was high level I mean he (Susanto) was playing three matches and I did a good effort. Good match and great win for Philippines,” said Gonzales.

Team manager Jean Henri Lhuillier praised the team which is eyeing to climb back to Group 1.

“Our team prepared thoroughly for this tie and it all paid off. The past few days have shown how determined we are to play our way back to the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group 1 and with this victory, we’re right on track towards that goal,” said Lhuillier.

Now the Philippines is waiting for the winner in the other tie between Thailand and Kuwait for its semifinal opponent.

The Philippines’ non-playing captain Karl Santamaria said the country now has “the pieces to get back into the big boys club.”

Susanto, 25, broke Gonzales for the first time to tie at 2 in the third set then held serve to wrest a 3-2 lead.

But Gonzales held at love and then broke the Indonesian with a brilliant passing shot for 4-3 edge.

The Filipino next held serve via sliding drop shot that thrilled the gallery before allowing Susanto to hold.

Gonzales then cranked it up in the 10th game, served and volleyed to force the Indonesian to hit long for the winning point.

The event was sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Babolat and Cebuana Lhuillier.?