RP-China tie opener rained out

WUHAN, China — The Philippines and host China will have to wait another day for their start of their Asia-Oceania Zone Group II Davis Cup first round tie here.

A steady drizzle starting Thursday night rendered the Wuhan Tennis Center outdoor courts unplayable, forcing the organizers to cancel the day’s schedule, the first two singles matches in the best-of-five matches tie, and postpone it for today.

"It was agreed during the emergency captains’ meeting that today’s (Friday) singles matches be reset for tomorrow," announced non-playing captain Johnny Jose, who expressed some displeasure at the thought that Team Philippines’ stay here will be extended.

"If the weather does not improve, the prospect of staying here until Monday or Tuesday looms and this will pose another problem for us," Jose said noting that Team Philippines is booked for a Monday flight back to Manila.

"The hosts wouldn’t budge at their decision not to change the venue to an indoor court. And the Japanese referee could do nothing but to order the postponement. This would mean that if the weather permits, we would be playing three matches tomorrow.

Friday’s schedule was to have Johnny Arcilla, the only Davis Cup veteran in the team, meeting Chinese No. 2 Zhu and Joseph Victorino tangling with top Chinese netter Zeng.

The singles will now be played today after which the vital doubles match, initially pitting Michael Mora III and Rolando Ruel Jr. against Zeng and Xu Ran, will follow.

"This again (Saturday’s schedule) was the subject of a long debate as the Chinese do not want their top player to play two matches in one day. But the referee said this should be the way. The referee added that if one team, gets a 3-0 lead after the first three matches, he might call off the reverse singles," RP coach Martin Misa said.