Phl faces Thailand next: Lapu-Lapu City willing to host round 2 of Davis Cup tie this April

CEBU, Philippines - It's Philippines versus Thailand in the second round of the Asia/Oceania Zone Group II of the Davis Cup on April  5-7 at a still undetermined venue here in the country.

This early though, the city government of Lapu-Lapu under the flagship of Mayor Paz Radaza and Plantation Bay Resort and Spa through its general manager Efren Belarmino have already expressed their willingness to host the event.

“I've talked with Efren Belarmino of Plantation Bay and I told him iof PHILTA wants to bring back Davis Cup this April, I welcome it,” said Radaza.

Davis Cup Philippine administrator and PHILTA vice president Randy Villanueva, for his part, said he will bring up the matter to the board.

The Philippines moved up to the second round after defeating Syria, 3-2, in their five-game series that was interrupted by heavy downpour yesterday at the posh Plantation Bay.

Cebu's pride Johnny Arcilla opened the country’s bid with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Syria’s No.1 player, Isaam Haitham Taweel. Ruben Gonzales followed suit with a 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 demolition of the France-based Marc Abdelnour.

Last Saturday night, the tandem of Treat Huey and Ruben Gonzales blended so well enroute to a 6-0, 6-3,2-6,6-2 triumph over Taweel and Abdelnous that sealed the win for the Filipino netters.

With a 3-0 advantage, Phl team captain Rolan Kraut decided to let their fourth player Elbert Anasta to play the fourth singles and Treat Huey in the final match instead of following the reverse format in which Gonzales was supposed to play against Taweel and Arcilla versus Abdelnour.

Anasta tried to put up a good show from the outset, but Taweel gained some energy for the next two sets after the game’s suspension due to the rain.

Taweel went on to pull off a 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 6-4 win. In the other non-bearing match, Marc Abdelnour rolled past Huey, 7-6, 6-2.

“Although you’re cheering for your team (Philippines), we also thank you for your warm welcome and cheers for us. I hope we were able to give you an exciting match,” said Taweel.

In the other Round 1 action, New Zealand scored a 5-0 sweep over Lebanon,while Thailand outsmarted Kuwait. (FREEMAN)