New faces join Mamiit, Tierro in Davis Cup team

MANILA, Philippines - A Fil-Am doubles specialist and a fast-rising homegrown talent are joining Fil-Am Cecil Mamiit and Patrick John Tierro in the RP Davis Cup team seeing action in this year’s Asia-Oceania Zone Group II ties.

Treat Huey, a 24-year-old Washington DC native who played for University of Virginia, and Francis Casey Alcantara, the other half of the tandem that won the doubles title in the Australian Junior Open, hope to spring some surprises as the Philippines battles host Hong Kong starting March 6.

Gone were Fil-Am Eric Taino and former RP No. 1 Johnny Arcilla, members of the team that reached Group I the last two years.

Patron John Henri Lhuillier of Cebuana Lhuillier made the announcement Saturday night and was optimistic of the country’s chances.

“I think we have a very strong team here, they have shown eagerness, readiness and determination to play for the country and win,” said Lhuillier, who also leads the RP softball association.

Davis Cup non-playing team captain Chris Cuarto said the group leaves tomorrow for Hong Kong while Mamiit and Huey will fly directly from Los Angeles and Virginia, respectively.

“We’re not underestimating Hong Kong but we’re confident of our chances,” said Cuarto, who said Hong Kong is going to draw strength from the pair of Martin Sayer and Goran Bosalevski.

Huey, whose mother is a Filipina, has signified his intention to backstop the team last year, even making himself available for the Southeast Asian Games slated Dec. 9-18 in Laos.

Arcilla, who has been in the RP squad since 2000, received “a reserve role” on the team but said he remains unsure whether or not to accept the offer.