RP Cuppers cap Group 3 stint with fifth shutout win

The Philippines just went through the motion yesterday, beating Iran, 3-0, and completing a sweep of all five countries it faced in the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group 3 competition at the Manila Polo Club.

Before a cheering crowd that came despite the rains, the Filipinos whipped the Iranians in the both singles and doubles at the well-kept upper indoor courts of the exclusive club inside Forbes Park.

With its dominant performance, the Filipinos regained their spot in Group 2 of the Davis Cup. The Philippines fell to Group 3 after a disappointing stint against South Korea and Lebanon last year.

Erik Taino once again spearheaded the victory, beating Talavar Farshad, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4), before his fellow Fil-American Cecil Mamiit outplayed Shagholi Anousha, 6-3, 6-1.

After Mamiit’s victory, the awarding ceremony took place. Manny V. Pangilinan, chairman of PLDT and Smart and the newest sponsor of the RP team, presented the championship trophy to the Filipinos.

Johnny Arcilla and J Tierro then capped the day for the Filipinos with a 6-3, 6-1 triumph over the same Iranian players. Tierro, a young 6-foot-1 netter, sealed the match with an overhead smash.

The crowd that came to see the closing matches included Presidential daughter Luli Arroyo who arrived quietly with friends. She stayed and cheered from the stands, closely watched by a female bodyguard.

Among the eight teams that competed here, only the Philippines swept all its assignments, earlier posting similar 3-0 wins over Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia. Iran will also be back in Group 2 next year.

Taino and Mamiit, who flew in from the US last week, deserve much of the credit. They’ve also vowed to represent the country in Doha, Qatar Asian Games in September.

The new "dynamic duo" of Philippine tennis leaves for Canada today for two pro tournaments. From there, they’ll fly back to the US to compete in the summer tour leading to the US Open in New York late August.

"They’ll be back for the Davis Cup next year. But first, they’ll represent the country in the Asian Games," said Manuel Misa, the president of the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association or Philta.

"But at least we’re back in Group 2. With this same lineup, we can even aim higher which is Group 1," added Misa, who looked forward to a great year next year.

Notes: More than anything else, it’s their great desire to represent the Philippines in international tournaments that has brought Erik Taino and Cecil Mamiit in the RP team. "It’s not about money. That’s the least of the consideration," said RP tennis chief Manuel Misa. He explained that to able to play for the Philippines, starting with last year’s Southeast Asian Games, the two Fil-Americans had to acquire dual citizenships. "By doing so, they gave up a lot of perks in the US, a lot of benefits in training and with some wild cards being given them in previous tournaments," explained Misa. "So we have to give them something in return. We need to help them with their training and travel expenses. Very little things as compared to the glory and honor they can give our country." Over the last five days at the Manila Polo Club, these two Fil-Americans gave away a total of 200 t-shirts with the RP flag on it. They had it made in the US for $6 each. They gave them away for free, even planting their autographs on some. "We just love it here. We love playing for the Philippines," they kept on saying.