RP's netters begin mission vs Iranians

The question of who will go down to Group III gets the initial answer today when the Philippines starts its campaign against Iran in the Asia-Oceania Zone Group II tie in this year's Davis Cup competitions.

Top campaigner Johnny Arcilla gets to open the country's bid when he tangles with Mohammadreza Tavakoli in the opening singles after a short opening ceremony which starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Philippine Columbian Association shell-clay courts.

Adelo Abadia takes the spotlight in the second singles by confronting Iranian No. 1 Ramin Raziani.

The pairings were determined yesterday in a draw held at the Manila Midtown Hotel with Iranian Ambassador Gholamrez Yusefi and Philippine Olympic Committee president Celso Dayrit gracing the rites officiated by ITF referee Bill Gilmour.

The doubles match, set tomorrow at 1 p.m. had Filipino non-playing captain Martin Misa nominating Michael Misa and Rolando Ruel Jr. against Seyed Akbar Taheri Rahaghi and Raziani. The reverse singles will be played on Sunday with both teams being allowed to replace their initial nominees.

The loser in this best-of-five matches tie will be demoted to Group III next year in the company of also-rans in the zone while the winner will stay in Group II.

Both non-playing captains claimed that the draw favored their respective squads with the Iranian Kambiz Darafshijavan promising that his team will give its best.

Misa, on the other hand, remained optimistic despite admitting that his underdog team really lacks exposure and his players will just rely on their raw talents and big fighting hearts.

"Yes, we are a young team but we look at our tie against them as a good fight. The draw favors our team. We really like to see Johnny playing first," Misa said.

Arcilla, who got his baptism of fire in the Davis Cup competitions last February and compiled a one-win, one-loss record, vowed to give his best for the country.

"Ilalaban ko nang husto ang ating bayan. Ibibigay ko ang lahat," Arcilla promised.

The Philippines, once a fixture in Group I of the zone which produces the qualifiers to the elite World Group qualifying ties, tumbled down to Group II in 1998. The Filipinos made the final of the group last year, losing to Thailand 1-4.