PHL faces tough hurdle vs. Japan

CEBU, Philippines - The road to tennis supremacy in this side of the Asian region begins on March 4 at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa as Team Philippines meets Japan for its Davis Cup tie.

As the country’s bets clash with the tough Japanese side, the event organizers are asking the full support of the Cebuanos and the rest of the Pinoys to come and watch the three-day action.

If the Pinoys get past Japan, they meet either Uzbekistan or New Zealand in the second round.

Although the odds are stuck against them, the RP netters hope to bank on the so-called 'homecourt magic' to pull off an upset against the Japanese visitors.

So far, sure to play for the RP squad include Cecit Mamiit, Treat Huey and half-Cebuano Johnny Arcilla. The fourth slot accordingly is a toss-up between Elbert Anasta and PJ Tierro although Davis Cup Philippine administrator Randy Villanueva said the country’s no.1 junior netter Jeson Patrombon is also being considered as an alternate.

The Pinoys are expected to play better on a slow clay court.

Hopefully, the weather also cooperates, making it hot and sunny on the playing dates for an added advantage for the hosts.

“As for the weather advantage, our players don’t put it in mind. Court is another factor plus the homecourt advantage,” said Villanueva in a press conference yesterday at Laguna Garden Café at the Terraces of Ayala Center-Cebu.

With a limited number of seats, the organizers hope that the Cebuanos will buy tickets at the earliest possible time so they won't be outnumbered by the Japanese supporters especially that 80 percent of MEPZ locators are Japanese, according to host Lapu-lapu City mayor Paz Radaza.

Tickets will be made available beginning today in three outlets - Nike Stadium at SM City-Cebu, Planet Sports in Ayala Center-Cebu and at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall.

Free seating is pegged at P500 per day, while reserved season tickets are priced at P2,500 and P5,000 for the VIP area.

“Selling of tickets starts tomorrow (today). So I hope you go buy tickets already because we have been receiving a lot of inquiries already even outside the country,” said councilor Harry Radaza.

On the other hand, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa general manager Efren Belarmino bared that promo rates for guests during the Davis Cup are already in place. (FREEMAN)